AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Tortuga Audio => Topic started by: tortugaranger on 19 Sep 2013, 06:02 pm
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Several of you have suggested a tour so here we go.
Tour Rules:
a) You'll be reviewing our LDR1 Passive Preamplifier which has a single input and 2 outputs in parallel. It uses a different board than the LDR3x DIY board but its technology, design, and software is essentially identical to the LDR3x where it counts.
b) Tour limited to 10 participants.
c) You agree to spend no more than 2 weeks from the day your receive the unit until you ship it on to next participant (let me know if this is generally OK ).
d) You agree to pack the unit up properly before shipping it off to next person.
e) You agree to pay to ship the unit onward, to provide tracking, and to include insurance
f) If the unit is lost or damaged at any point, please contact me immediately
g) You agree to post a review of your impressions - good, bad or indifferent
h) I'll coordinate the sequence of who gets the unit next to minimize time/cost of shipping.
i) While it's generally my intent to handle this on a first come first serve basis, I reserve final say on selecting the tour group participants.
Post your request to participate here. I'll contact you via PM to get your name, address, email and phone etc. Once we have our tour team all signed up, I'll prepare an LDR1 and kick things off.
And of course feel free to suggest any changes to the above. I've done this with single prof. reviewers before but not with a group like this.
Cheers,
Morten
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I would like to be part of the tour. Sign me up :thumb:
Zip is 28697
Best,
Anand.
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I would also like to be part of the tour, I live in the Seattle area.
Thanks,
Greg
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Hi Morten,
Please include me in the tour.
98368 45 miles from Seattle
Regards,
Roy
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i) While it's generally my intent to handle this on a first come first serve basis, I reserve final say on selecting the tour group participants.
:scratch:
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Thank you for including me in the list.
If possible, I would like to demo the unit starting on or after the week of October 21st. By the way, I live in Atlanta.
Thanks again,
Briang
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I'm in :bounce:, sweet, thank you.
I agree to the above terms.
Location Ohio 45069.
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Am interested. PM sent
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I'm In too..
V
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I'd like to be on the list.
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I would be delighted to participate.
-dB
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I would like to participate. I live north of Seattle and would be comfortable with what ever scheduling would be convenient for the tour. Thanks for the opportunity.
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Ok, we have a tentative group of 10+1 per updated list below. I would ask that each of you PM me your contact info including name, address, phone & email. Also, please let me know what the make/model & output impedance is of the primary source you're likely to use as well as the make/model and input impedance of your amp. It will be interesting to correlate these parameters with your impressions of the LDRx passive preamp. I already know that one of you probably has an amp with ~10k input impedance. I would anticipate less than satisfactory performance with that low an input impedance without adding a buffer. We shall see.
And thanks for signing up! This will be interesting. :green:
Tour Group List (as of 9:15 PM EST on 9.19)
1) WireNut
2) briang
3) poseidonsvoice
4) gregfisk
5) rajacat
6) NickB
7) this_is_vv
8) Randy (i don't know if Randy is just cool but an 8 followed by a ) turns into cool shades smiley face)
9) dburna
10) konut
10+1) genjamon
_________________________________
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PM sent, thank you for the opportunity :thumb:
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I am also interested if not too late. I live in Raleigh, NC.
Chris
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Morten,
Konut and I both live in the North Seattle area, perhaps you could put us next to each other on the list and one of us could drop the unit off to the other without shipping.
Greg
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Just a quick update. I'd hoped to get an LDR1 unit back from a reviewer by now but no joy. And I'm going to be taking some time off next week and will be away from the office (I figure once a year whether I need it or not....and I need it!) Bottom line is I won't be shipping out the tour unit unit probably next weekend or so. Stay tuned.
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Just a quick update. I'd hoped to get an LDR1 unit back from a reviewer by now but no joy. And I'm going to be taking some time off next week and will be away from the office (I figure once a year whether I need it or not....and I need it!) Bottom line is I won't be shipping out the tour unit unit probably next weekend or so. Stay tuned.
Ok, So I can stop checking my front door every 5 minutes now :wink:. Enjoy your time off and get some good R and R :thumb:
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Hi All,
The Tour has finally been kicked off. :thumb:
An LDR1 has been sent off to gregfisk in Washington state.
I'll likely email/pm the group over the weekend with the full list and travel sequence.
Cheers,
Morten
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If possible, I would like to join in as I just heard of this tour and I am interested in this pre.
Chattanooga, TN 37409
Cheers,
James
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Thanks for the update.
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Any news on the Tour?
I haven't received the email message about my place in the tour.
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Hi All,
I received the preamp on Friday and was only able to listen for a short time on Sunday. I'll give my impressions in detail when I have more time for critical listening. The one thing I can say is that it seems like I no longer have a preamp in my system :scratch:....... more to come.
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Any more slots on this tour?
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Any more slots on this tour?
I need to get caught up on the tour list and who's up next etc. A bit behind on the tour admin. If the list isn't already too long, will consider it.
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I need to get caught up on the tour list and who's up next etc. A bit behind on the tour admin. If the list isn't already too long, will consider it.
As far as the Seattle are goes if this helps, KONUT would be closest to me and then RAJACAT after that.
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As far as the Seattle are goes if this helps, KONUT would be closest to me and then RAJACAT after that.
Makes sense. Let's go with that sequence for the next 2 stops. Thx.
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Makes sense. Let's go with that sequence for the next 2 stops. Thx.
Groovy! Just need a heads up for when to expect it, and Rajacats address.
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Groovy! Just need a heads up for when to expect it, and Rajacats address.
Konut,
Sounds good to me! :)
I'll PM you my address.
...Roy
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Dear LDR1 Tour Team!
The tour is underway and the current tour group/sequence is listed below. There are 14 tour members and that is it, the tour list is closed!
The sequence is subject to change since I'm still missing 2 addresses (see ??). Given the size of the tour, even if each of you take 1 week we're talking ~4 months which could well stretch into 5-6 months. I would ask that you please plan on taking no more than a week from receipt to ship.
The tour sequence listed below is geographic starting in the Northwest, then mid west, and finally the southeast before returning home to Florida all traveled, auditioned and reviewed out.
I will PM each of you a link to a GoogleDoc spreadsheet that has all the contact info for the group. I would ask that you each edit/update your info.
Tour on!
Morten
1) gregfisk (currently has the LDR1 unit) - WA
2) konut - WA
3) rajacat - WA
4) Nick B - UT
5) Randy - WY
6) dburna - IL
7) Big Red Machine - MI
8) wirenut - OH
9) poseidonsvoice - NC
10) ssglx - NC
11) cloudbaseracer - TN
12) briang - GA
13) this_is_VV - ??
14) genjamon - ??
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Anyone having trouble opening the Google link to the tour spread sheet ?
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Anyone having trouble opening the Google link to the tour spread sheet ?
Yes. And I pm'd Morten about it already...
Best,
Anand
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K, thank you.
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I emailed Morten as well, I don't have a google account.
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Update: One dropout due to relocation so down to 13. Shuffled the sequence slightly since we now have everyone's state. Updated list below.
Also, I believe I've finally solved the google spreadsheet access debacle so if you have the link I PM'd you, you should now have full access to view/edit and not require a google account to do so.
1) gregfisk (currently has the LDR1 unit) - WA
2) konut - WA
3) rajacat - WA
4) Nick B - UT
5) Randy - WY
6) genjamon - KS
7) dburna - IL
8) Big Red Machine - MI
9) wirenut - OH
10) poseidonsvoice - NC
11) ssglx - NC
12) cloudbaseracer - TN
13) briang - GA
Dear LDR1 Tour Team!
The tour is underway and the current tour group/sequence is listed below. There are 14 tour members and that is it, the tour list is closed!
The sequence is subject to change since I'm still missing 2 addresses (see ??). Given the size of the tour, even if each of you take 1 week we're talking ~4 months which could well stretch into 5-6 months. I would ask that you please plan on taking no more than a week from receipt to ship.
The tour sequence listed below is geographic starting in the Northwest, then mid west, and finally the southeast before returning home to Florida all traveled, auditioned and reviewed out.
I will PM each of you a link to a GoogleDoc spreadsheet that has all the contact info for the group. I would ask that you each edit/update your info.
Tour on!
Morten
1) gregfisk (currently has the LDR1 unit) - WA
2) konut - WA
3) rajacat - WA
4) Nick B - UT
5) Randy - WY
6) dburna - IL
7) Big Red Machine - MI
8) wirenut - OH
9) poseidonsvoice - NC
10) ssglx - NC
11) cloudbaseracer - TN
12) briang - GA
13) this_is_VV - ??
14) genjamon - ??
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Also, I believe I've finally solved the google spreadsheet access debacle so if you have the link I PM'd you, you should now have full access to view/edit and not require a google account to do so.
That did it, thank you :thumb:
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In case you missed it, here's the link to the AC topic on improved impedance. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=120883.msg1271974#msg1271974 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=120883.msg1271974#msg1271974)
By this time next week or sooner I hope to have the LDR1 software updated to reflect the improved impedance floor. I'd like to send out a chip to either gregfisk or konut ...or whoever has the LDR1 by late next week and have you take apart the LDR1 and pop in the updated microcontroller chip. The improved impedance characteristics should definitely yield better dynamics.
Cheers,
Morten
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I'm sending out the LDR1to Konut today with the help of my wife as I had an accident on Friday. I dropped a heavy and sharp 10" Henckels chefs knife on my big toe and ended up cutting the tenden in half. I had a consultation on Monday and Surgery yesterday and everything looks good.
The one good thing to come out of this is since I couldn't do much else I spent Saturday and Sunday listening to the LDR1 with a couple of different amps and also bi amping my speakers which I've been wanting to try for some time now. Sometime this week I will sit down and do a full review of what my impressions are and some insight as to what I see as the benefits of using a passive pre.
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Sorry to hear of your accident Greg. I promise not to handle my 14" Wusthof chef knife while the LDR1 is here.
The chip comparison should be very interesting. Would there be any danger of long term damage if the rest of the tour were to include both chips for evaluation? Is there any worry that multiple changes would harm the socket in any way? I could totally understand if Morten wanted me to send the old chip back to him immediately as, going forward, this is how the LDR1 will be delivered in the future.
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I'm sending out the LDR1to Konut today with the help of my wife as I had an accident on Friday. I dropped a heavy and sharp 10" Henckels chefs knife on my big toe and ended up cutting the tenden in half. I had a consultation on Monday and Surgery yesterday and everything looks good.
The one good thing to come out of this is since I couldn't do much else I spent Saturday and Sunday listening to the LDR1 with a couple of different amps and also bi amping my speakers which I've been wanting to try for some time now. Sometime this week I will sit down and do a full review of what my impressions are and some insight as to what I see as the benefits of using a passive pre.
No joke I was thinking of getting one of those big heavy Henckels clevers and thinking just my luck I'd drop it on my foot. Then I find out you beat me to it with 10 incher. :cry: Spoke to another customer today who just broke his femur while riding his bike - got sideswiped by a car. :duh: Knock it off all of you! Here's to a speedy recovery Greg. Looking forward to reading your feedback.
Best,
Morten
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Spoke to another customer today who just broke his femur while riding his bike - got sideswiped by a car.
Holy shit, I've heard of this happening before and that driver's sometimes keep on going. That's why I don't ride on the street......
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Sorry to hear of your accident Greg. I promise not to handle my 14" Wusthof chef knife while the LDR1 is here.
The chip comparison should be very interesting. Would there be any danger of long term damage if the rest of the tour were to include both chips for evaluation? Is there any worry that multiple changes would harm the socket in any way? I could totally understand if Morten wanted me to send the old chip back to him immediately as, going forward, this is how the LDR1 will be delivered in the future.
Konut et. al.
Since it's 99+% certain that all LDR products will soon be shipping with the upgraded high Z software, I suggest you swap out the chip and go forward with your review and the tour using the new software only. There's no harm in doing a before & after when you do the swap. Would be interesting to get your before and after impressions. I use high quality gold plated sockets in the boards to mitigate any problems with repeated removal and insertion...or long term corrosion.
Konut, I hope to get the updated chip sent out to you next week. The LDR3x and LDR1/6 use slightly different software and since I did the LDR3x first I still have to revise the LDR1/6.
Also, it's debatable whether it's worth your time & postage to mail the old chip back separately. Suggest it go along for the ride with the LDR1 and it will get back here eventually. It's nominally a $5 processor so no rush and also no worries if it never makes it back at all.
Cheers,
Morten
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I thought it might be interesting to some of the future participants in the tour, as I feel privileged to be the one to be able to compare initially. I'll let future tourees decide whether to compare chips if they so desire. Thanks for the opportunity. Hope my system and ears are up to the task as to if there is a difference.
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Hi Morten - does your new chip effect the DYI module, or just the full pre?
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Hi Morten - does your new chip effect the DYI module, or just the full pre?
The new hi-z software update is applicable to all of our LDR based preamp products. Of course it will be a lot easier to replace the chip on the DIY board. How, when and for how much we roll this out is still being worked out in terms of possible retrofit to existing units.
Best,
Morten
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Well,
After a foot surgery, a week in a big ass boot and not able to take it off, stand on it or sleep without it I'm about to go crazy. Might as well write a review of the LDR1........ Hopefully the pain medication doesn't get in the way.
My system consists of a 2011 stock mac mini with 8Gb of ram and (2) Oyen Digital 1TB hard drives as back up. I’m running this into an M2Tech Evo Stack and then into my Metrum Octave Dac. My pre amp is a Joule Electra LA150MK11 SE and amps are (2) TBI Millennia MG3 Mk II and a Butler 2250 which is a high powered hybrid amp.
To start out I replaced the Joule pre amp with the LDR1, I would not call this a fair fight as the Joule is currently $7200.00 new. I really like tubes somewhere in my system and the Joule is currently the only thing I’m using in the chain. First of all I have to say I really like the remote on the LDR1, it does everything you need it to and more, the balance relock and the fade on the mute button is a nice touch. Having a system without a remote is a non starter for me so that's a good enough reason to buy a LDR1 on its own in my mind. As soon as I started listening using the LDR1 and TBI amps I noticed an immediate loss of depth and width of sound stage, I also noticed less decay around the notes and less fullness to the sound and sound stage. Now, I have heard this before and it didn't come as a surprise. The TBI amps are not a good match with my speakers which are about 86db efficient and need a lot of power to get them going. I purchased these amps to go with my Super V speakers which I haven't built yet, but that is a different story. Without the gain of the Joule the amps have an even harder time so this is what I expected with a passive pre. The question then was, does the LDR1 take anything away or add anything to the sound? Well, the great thing about the TBI amps is they have a volume control and I could test that, so I did.
I removed the LDR1 from my system hooking the amps direct to my source and speakers and played the same 4 songs I had just listened to. I could not hear any difference at all, the detail was the same, the sound stage was the same and I just couldn't tell that I had removed the LDR1. What this made me realize is that the TBI amps, at least with my current speakers don't do much for my sound stage and also just how good my Joule is at producing one. It also made me realize just how transparent the LDR1 is.
I then put the LDR1 back into my system and replaced my TBI amps with my Butler 2250. This is a much better match with my speakers and I wanted to see if that did anything to the sound stage. Well, the sound was much larger and fuller and I immediately recognized the sound of my Butler amp. Once again I could hear absolutely nothing added or taken away by the LDR1 and this really got me thinking. This is the perfect product to build a system around. You can get the sound you’re looking for from your other components and simply use the LDR1 as a controller of source and volume. This probably seems obvious to someone who has thought about this but I’ve been going about it the exact opposite and hadn’t thought about the possibilities. I’ve been using very revealing components and getting my tube goodness from the preamp.
I guess the point is the LDR1 isn't going to make your system sound the way you want it to, unless the way you want it to sound is like it already did before you added the LDR1. The take away for me is the LDR1 just doesn't have a signature, or its signature is invisible, so it just lets everything else do what everything else is supposed to do.
Thank You Morten for making this possible, it was fun for me and informative.
Greg
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Well,
I guess the point is the LDR1 isn't going to make your system sound the way you want it to, unless the way you want it to sound is like it already did before you added the LDR1. The take away for me is the LDR1 just doesn't have a signature, or its signature is invisible, so it just lets everything else do what everything else is supposed to do.
Isn't that SUPPOSED to be the point of a passive pre? Total transparency? It's what many of us are and have been looking for.
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Isn't that SUPPOSED to be the point of a passive pre? Total transparency? It's what many of us are and have been looking for.
Randy,
I hope your response being the first isn't an indication how this review comes across, I meant my conclusion to be extremely positive. I have never heard an audio product of any kind that doesn't add something sound wise to the mix. This should make it easier, one less piece to the puzzle.
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Isn't that SUPPOSED to be the point of a passive pre? Total transparency? It's what many of us are and have been looking for.
Yes indeed and that was my takeaway from Greg's report as well. A bit tongue-in-cheek but the following cartoon tries to make the same point. :lol:
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/preamptutorial.jpg)
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Thank You Morten for making this possible, it was fun for me and informative.
Greg
Thanks for your report Greg and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
One thing you did reminded me of the first time I started working with an LDR volume control. Using a relatively low wattage amp I ran the LDR up to max volume and then flipped a bypass switch I'd rigged up. I couldn't tell the difference if the LDR was in the circuit or not. That's what I call uncolored transparency.
Cheers,
Morten
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One of my first thoughts after getting the Tortuga LDR was that every preamp should use this kind of volume control. As far as I know, currently only Dar T Zeel does. I kept thinking that every stereo I had ever heard could have been better.
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Greg,
Nice review. I may have missed it but did you replace your Joule with the LDR, while having the Butler amp powering your speakers, and do an audition with your 4 tracks of your choice? I am wondering what differences you may have heard between the Joule versus the LDR.
Thanks,
Anand.
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One of my first thoughts after getting the Tortuga LDR was that every preamp should use this kind of volume control. As far as I know, currently only Dar T Zeel does. I kept thinking that every stereo I had ever heard could have been better.
We are in various discussions regarding an OEM version of this board as replacement for conventional pots etc. in active preamps. Could get very interesting.
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We are in various discussions regarding an OEM version of this board as replacement for conventional pots etc. in active preamps. Could get very interesting.
That's a great idea! :thumb:
Best,
Anand.
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Greg,
Nice review. I may have missed it but did you replace your Joule with the LDR, while having the Butler amp powering your speakers, and do an audition with your 4 tracks of your choice? I am wondering what differences you may have heard between the Joule versus the LDR.
Thanks,
Anand.
Anand,
I did go one step further with my testing by using both my TBI and my Butler amps in a bi amp configuration. This was the best that my system sounded both with the LDR1 and with my Joule. I had the same conclusion as my first impressions putting the LDR1 in place of my Joule, much smaller sound stage in depth and width and not as much meat on the bones or not as thick of a presentation. Detail was very good but I would need a tube amp, tube dac or tube buffer? to get back what was lost not having the Joule in the system. I hadn't gotten around to bi amping my system since I purchased the TBI amps and the system is definitely staying that way for now.
Take Care,
Greg
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I had the same conclusion as my first impressions putting the LDR1 in place of my Joule, much smaller sound stage in depth and width and not as much meat on the bones or not as thick of a presentation. Detail was very good but I would need a tube amp, tube dac or tube buffer? to get back what was lost not having the Joule in the system.
I believe the HiZ software upgrade will definitely put the meat back on the bones. Whether it will rival a $7k tube preamp is TBD. What would be even more interesting would be substituting an LDR3x for the existing attenuator in a high end tube (or SS) preamp like the Joule.
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I believe the HiZ software upgrade will definitely but the meat back on the bones. Whether it will rival a $7k tube preamp is TBD. What would be even more interesting would be substituting an LDR3x for the existing attenuator in a high end tube (or SS) preamp like the Joule.
Yes. Which is why this tour is a very good thing. Without auditioning it in our own system, it's difficult to be sure as we all have different systems and preferences.
Thank you!
Best,
Anand.
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I believe the HiZ software upgrade will definitely but the meat back on the bones. Whether it will rival a $7k tube preamp is TBD. What would be even more interesting would be substituting an LDR3x for the existing attenuator in a high end tube (or SS) preamp like the Joule.
I'm really sorry I didn't get the LDR1 with the new software, I get the feeling from your previous description it could make a big difference in what I heard.
I also like the idea of getting rid of what many feel is the weak link in a preamp, the volume control.
Greg
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Hi Konut et. al.
I'm going to ship the HiZ chip to you today or tomorrow so you'll have it early next week. It will either be a 20k or a 50k input impedance chip. Still tweaking that.
Cheers,
Morten
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Thanks for the heads up. Will be on the lookout.
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Hi Konut et. al.
I'm going to ship the HiZ chip to you today or tomorrow so you'll have it early next week. It will either be a 20k or a 50k input impedance chip. Still tweaking that.
Cheers,
Morten
does it means that every board ordered now will be a high rez version? :D
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does it means that every board ordered now will be a high rez version? :D
Yes indeedy!
Applies to all LDR based preamp products going forward.
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:D great i order one immediately!
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Short update for those on the tour. There was a delay in getting the revised chip to me. I know how anxious one can get waiting for a tour unit to get to the next stop so I just wanted to let everyone know I was not holding the unit hostage. Having said that, the LDR1 is far superior to my existing passive and i am THRILLED to get some extra time with it.
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This is part 1 of a review of the Tortuga Audio LDR1 passive volume control, or passive preamp, as some like to call it.
http://www.tortugaaudio.com/
There was a delay in getting a newly implemented control software chip due to refinements that were required after beta testing. Part 2 will consist of a comparison between the original chip and the new chip. I felt compelled to post my thoughts while they were fresh in, what little is left of, my mind.
My system consists of a Sony BDP S580 BluRay player hooked up via a 15ft length of DH Labs SilverSonic D75 coax BNC/RCA adapter->BNC to a Bryston BDA-1 DAC(Mojo Audio PC). The single ended out then goes to Creek OBH-12 passive pre via a 26" pair of Sweet Spot Reveal "Silver" interconnects then from the Creek to a pair of W4S SX500 mono amps(W4S P-1 PCs) via a 3ft pair of Grover Huffman ICs. A 3ft pair of Anti-Cables go from the amps to Aether Audio Black Boxes, Aether Audio Timepiece Minis and VMPS Super tweeters(facing backwards). The amps are plugged into the wall, and eveything else in plugged into an APC S15 power conditioner and Belkin PureAV PF60.The LDR1 replaces the Creek.
I have not used an active pre in almost 20 years. My system is optimized for use with a passive pre. The Bryston DAC was selected because of its 2.3V, 50ohm, discrete analog output, and reliability. The W4S amps were chosen for their high gain, low noise and distortion, and relatively high, for ICE power type amps, input impedance of 60k ohms. ICs are short and low capacitance. No accommodations were made to substitute the Creek with the Tortuga.
I've been on the hunt for a replacement for the Creek for some time. To be sure, the Creek is an entry level passive but offers 3 input switching and remote so it met my needs. The replacements that I have considered over the years all have some perceived weakness. Mostly they offered no, to me, significant increase in sound quality commensurate with their price. AFAIK, there are only 3 methods of implementing passive pres; resisters, transformers, and light dependent resisters. Each method has its assets and liabilities. It wasn't until the Tortuga came along that I felt there was something that minimized the minuses and maximized the pluses and justified the asking price. I jumped at the opportunity to secure a spot on the audition tour that was offered.
I received the unit on Halloween. Trick or treat? It is housed in a nondescript black case with a window for the infrared remote receiver, blue lettering, a black knurled knob, and an on/off blue LED that some might find too bright. After substituting the LDR1 for the Creek I got no sound. I called Morten to see what could possibly be wrong. He indicated that there was not much that could go wrong. When installing the unit I had double checked that I had made the correct input/output connections, as I have made that mistake in the past. While on the phone it occurred to me that maybe I had forgotten to turn my amps back on. That, indeed, was the case. How embarrassing. I had a nice chat with Morten, indicated all was well, and he could not have been more cordial. I had tricked myself and now for the treat.
It became immediately apparent that the LDR1 was a more transparent component than the Creek. At 3 times the price, one should expect that. What they had in common was the black background, low/no distortion, and wide sound stage. The LDR1 improves on the Creek in a number of different areas.
Leading edge attack transients are more delineated throughout the frequency range. This was most noticeable with all types of percussion. Snare, cymbals, toms, and kick had much more snap and precision.
The mid-bass on down seemed to gain a few extra db of authority. Not lumpy mind you, but a smooth fullness contributing a sense of realism to whatever instrument was in that range. The extra degree of sub 40hz info gave an increased sense of acoustic space.
Low level detail increased to a great degree. Previously obscured detail was laid bare. Each instrument and voice gained, not only an extra dimension in space but, resolution giving a sense of the artists emotional intent.
It seemed like the LDR1 was letting more signal through. I was listening at levels above my usual, 85db-95db, to levels of 100bd+ as everything just sounded so good. Some discs which I had been able to turn up all the way with the Creek, and in theory should be the same as a bypass, were needed to be restrained a bit as not to push the amps, and/or speakers, past their limits.
There was a greater sense of dynamics, compered to the Creek, at all volume levels. Greatly anticipating the new chip to see if this is expanded.
If I were to change anything I would give some sense of the volume going up and down other than just the aural evidence. As it is the blue LED flashes slowly when either the volume is all the way up, or all the way down. There is an enter button on the remote which causes the LED to flash rapidly and I would prefer this sense of feedback when raising and lowering the volume. This is the way the Creek works but this is by no means a deal breaker for me. I would also like a less bright LED, but, again, not a deal breaker.
I listen to a wide variety of music. I pulled out discs that I had not listened to in years and probably listened to more music, since receiving the LDR1, than I had listened to in the past 6 months. I was given a renewed sense of excitement that I had been missing for a long time. I can't think of higher praise. As a casualty of the part-time economy I shall have to find a way to acquire one of these.
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Thanks for the report. I see you have the Timepiece minis and I have the 3.0's. I am looking forward to getting the Tortuga soon via the tour and based on comments so far, it might well be the ticket for me. As to your problems with hooking up cables, equipment etc, well that has never happened to me...... OK, maybe once, or a few times or even more than that :lol:
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Nice write up Konut,
You had me worried when you said it didn't work when you got it :icon_surprised:
When I received the unit it only played out of one channel, I thought it had a problem or I connected something wrong. Fortunately I just had to hit the balance reset button and all was good :thumb:.
Greg
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This is going to be an interesting tour. I haven't used a passive in 10-15 years. My current tube preamp has 22db of gain. Between the power supply and the preamp there's probably 30 caps inside that are 20 years old
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You had me worried when you said it didn't work when you got it :icon_surprised:
He had me worried too when I got that phone call!! :o
When I received the unit it only played out of one channel, I thought it had a problem or I connected something wrong. Fortunately I just had to hit the balance reset button and all was good :thumb:.
The only way that could have happened is the guy who had the LDR1 before you (a reviewer I had try it out) must have played with the channel balance and left it hard over to one side. The LDR1 saves the current state when you turn it off normally. He packed it up and shipped it to you instead of sending it back to me so you found it the way he left it. Which is an odd way to leave it but there ya go. :scratch:
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Nick B - The LDR1 REALLY showed me how good the Minis, and W4Ss were. If there is a way to screw something up, even with as little that could go wrong with the LDR1, I will find it!
gregfisk - I'll bet I was more worried that you.
WireNut - I see you have a biamped system. What are your sources? LP, CD, DAC? When I did use a preamp I seldom needed the gain, more a mater of source switching and buffering. Yours should be an interesting comparo.
tortugaranger - TRICK OR TREAT!
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If I were to change anything I would give some sense of the volume going up and down other than just the aural evidence. As it is the blue LED flashes slowly when either the volume is all the way up, or all the way down. There is an enter button on the remote which causes the LED to flash rapidly and I would prefer this sense of feedback when raising and lowering the volume. This is the way the Creek works but this is by no means a deal breaker for me. I would also like a less bright LED, but, again, not a deal breaker.
Nice job on the review Konut.
Going forward, I'll incorporate your suggestions of giving visual feedback via the status LED that volume is changing. Just going to quietly do that for new builds and for those yet to receive their HiZ upgrade chips. I think I'll also tone down the LED intensity on new builds since you aren't the first person to mention this. Thanks for the input.
Cheers,
Morten
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Thanks Morten! I felt that the quality of your product required a thorough evaluation and constructive criticism. While no product is perfect the LDR1 comes pretty close. While aesthetic considerations are among the least of my concerns when it comes to audio components, you might want to consider offering the option of different colored face plates, a different colored LED for the light, and a variety of knob options in order to attract a wider variety of customers. I've discovered that quite a number of enthusiasts place these considerations very highly. This product deserves success.
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Where are with the tour?
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Hi Randy,
I'm afraid that the tour unit has been stuck with me since I received it on 10/31. There has been a delay in getting the newly implemented high impedance chip to me from Morten. It is supposed to ship this Monday. I promise to get the unit out within a week of receiving the new chip and on to the next stop on the tour, which is rajacat. But don't blame me. To quote Curly Howard, "I'm a victim of soicumstance!".
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Where are with the tour?
Yes, well, you see we decided to ratchet up efforts and go for the hi impedance gold right about the same time the tour was getting started. While conceptually simple, implementing the HiZ ended up requiring a massive reworking of a lot of software. And thus we were reminded all over again that all projects take longer, cost more and aren't nearly as straightforward as initially envisioned. Against this backdrop of 2nd gen LDR control algorithm development the tour, while not exactly getting thrown under the bus, definitely got parked next to the bus. Weeks later, we are digging out from under a huge backlog because we stopped shipping everything once we knew the HiZ was "just around the corner". Once we finally got around that looonnnggg corner, my first priority was getting paid orders out the door. So Konut got an extended visit with the LDR1 while waiting for the HiZ chip to arrive. Which is now ready for the tour unit and will ship out on Monday. And that's where we are with the tour. :D
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Yes, well, you see we decided to ratchet up efforts and go for the hi impedance gold right about the same time the tour was getting started. While conceptually simple, implementing the HiZ ended up requiring a massive reworking of a lot of software. And thus we were reminded all over again that all projects take longer, cost more and aren't nearly as straightforward as initially envisioned. Against this backdrop of 2nd gen LDR control algorithm development the tour, while not exactly getting thrown under the bus, definitely got parked next to the bus. Weeks later, we are digging out from under a huge backlog because we stopped shipping everything once we knew the HiZ was "just around the corner". Once we finally got around that looonnnggg corner, my first priority was getting paid orders out the door. So Konut got an extended visit with the LDR1 while waiting for the HiZ chip to arrive. Which is now ready for the tour unit and will ship out on Monday. And that's where we are with the tour. :D
Morten - I am fifth on the list, but since I will be out of town from Dec. 17 to about Jan. 2 you better bump me down a few spots. As it sets up now, it looks like I might get it about the time I take off and that wouldn't be good. Please advise.
Konut - "Spread out."
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Wise guy, huh?
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Any news on the tour? I'm next on the list, so how this fits into my holiday plans is a concern.
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Any news on the tour? I'm next on the list, so how this fits into my holiday plans is a concern.
Upgrade chip ships to Konut TODAY! He should have it by Thursday. Friday at the latest.
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Just a suggestion (I'm only a tour participant), but it would probably be a good idea if whoever has the LDR by about 12/20 just keep it and ship it to the next person just before/after Jan. 1st. I'm not sure anyone will have time to give it a good/critical listen in this period, plus it's probably best for the shipment if it's not being moved from place-to-place during the busy holiday shipping season.
Whoever has it during that period would have an extended "Christmas bonus," but at least no one would get shortchanged.
Any thoughts?
-dB
P.S. Based on the revised schedule, I don't stand to receive this until early 2014, so I'm not angling for an extended audition for myself. :D
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Just curious, Morten -- on what input impedance did you settle?
-dB
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Just curious, Morten -- on what input impedance did you settle?
-dB
We did beta testing from 10k to 50k. While 50k sounded good, the commensurate higher output impedance proved to be a problem for certain amps like the popular Job 225 and the NCore which exhibited unacceptable levels of hum (which nobody I've consulted with can explain). But for other tube and SS amps there was no problem.
After several iterations, I decided to standardize at 10k. It does the job of getting getting the impedance off the floor which is key to improving dynamics. And it achieves the general goal of having an 10:1 impedance bridging ratio between source and preamp with most sources having much less than a 1k output impedance. Also, at 10k you don't get the hum problem mentioned above with certain amps.
Turns out there's a tradeoff between impedance and channel balance/matching. This is an artifact of digital control and the finite data set inherent with 8 bit (256) sampling. As impedance is increased, the dB error (spread) between left/right channel tends to increase. Mostly in the mid volume range but much less so towards min or max. At 10k impedance, this error is usually limited to a max of 0.2 dB and is mostly 0.1 or less. At 50k this can double. The benefit of tighter channel balance is superior stereo imaging thus further supporting the 10k.
On the other hand, if someone really wants/needs a higher input impedance I can certainly provide that upon request up to 50k. Beyond 50k, you start to push distortion which of course isn't good.
Best,
Morten
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Just a suggestion (I'm only a tour participant), but it would probably be a good idea if whoever has the LDR by about 12/20 just keep it and ship it to the next person just before/after Jan. 1st. I'm not sure anyone will have time to give it a good/critical listen in this period, plus it's probably best for the shipment if it's not being moved from place-to-place during the busy holiday shipping season.
Whoever has it during that period would have an extended "Christmas bonus," but at least no one would get shortchanged.
Any thoughts?
-dB
P.S. Based on the revised schedule, I don't stand to receive this until early 2014, so I'm not angling for an extended audition for myself. :D
I agree that whoever has the unit over the Xmas break should just hold on to it until after New Years. I figure everyone should spend a week or so with it anyway and getting quality listening time around family holiday time can be challenging.
Once Konut has put in the HiZ chip and refreshed his listening impressions, he'll move it on to rajacat and then its Nick B. We'll see where we are by then and figure it out from there.
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I have received, and successful installed, the new chip. Morten has included the quick flickering visual LED feedback when raising and lowering the volume. :thumb:
I am listening to Romeo and Juliet from the Telarc, Maazel and the Cleveland disc. The tympani really jump out at you with the new software. Truly spine tingling! The sound-stage has more depth and is more cohesive. Enough for now. More thorough impressions to come.
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I have sent the tour sample on to the next tour participant, rajacat, and will be posting the second part of my review tomorrow PM.
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This is part 2 of a review for the Tortuga Audio LDR1 passive preamp. I was able to audition the LDR1 for a full month before receiving the updated software chip. There had been a delay in sending out the chip as it was discovered there were certain anomalies with Class D amps. Once those were resolved the chip was sent out. Since I have W4S Class D amps, it was reassuring that this was checked out. Having the LDR1 for so long made it easy to hear the difference between the old software and the new software.
The only difference in actual operation of the pre was that now when the volume was raised or lowered, the LED fast flickers. Tortuga had incorporated my suggestion. Nice!
The purpose of the new software was to increase and optimize the input impedance thus resulting in better dynamics especially at lower volumes. In actual practice it did much more than that. Dynamically there was a sense of increased transient response though not nearly as significant as the difference between my old passive and the old software. At lower volumes it was difficult for me to detect a significant increase in dynamics across the board. What was significant was a marked increase in low level detail, even at lower volumes. But the most improvement came in rendition of sound stage. At all volumes there was an expansion of width and depth as well as a greater perception of space. There was a smoothness to the presentation that gives a greater sense of reality, especially in live recordings.
My GUESS as to whats going on is that the precision of the channel balance that the original software pioneered is further enhanced and made more apparent by the impedance optimization. Those spacial cues that are embedded in the phase relationships are made more precise by the channel matching and brought to the fore by the impedance refinement. Again, just a guess on my part.
Having sent the unit on to the next participant on the tour, and going back to my previous pre, I noticed that the texture of instruments and voices are less refined. The subtle emotional nuances are less. There is a flattening of the sound stage and the sound sticking more to the speakers. Harrumph.
Having worked in live sound for a few years and maintaining an interest in audio as a hobby for 40 years, I have come to appreciate that everyone comes to different conclusions as to what they hear and thus how they want their audio to be reproduced. Its a trial and error process hopefully with correlations between what is heard and what can be measured. That has been my experience anyway. What I have found is that low distortion, high signal to noise ratio, and flat frequency response are the preeminent determinants as to whether I will like a certain component. Others have come to different conclusions.
The very nature of the recording process manipulates the sound running it through various circuits with all kinds of deleterious as well as beneficial effects, some recordings more than others. Some are of the opinion that since this is the case why not use every means at our disposal to manipulate the sound, when reproducing, to achieve pleasing results. Those that use passive preamps take an opposing view. The last thing we want to do is use anything that will obscure the waveform as its delivered by the source medium. The fewer circuits the better. While I have not personally auditioned a lot of passive pres, I can say that the LDR1 is as a transparent component as I have ever encountered. I will be curious of the findings of the rest of the tour participants as to how the LDR1 performs with their systems. Thanks to Tortuga for sponsoring the tour.
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Hi Konut!
Thank you for the before/after reviews!. I think your guesses are as good as any. For me, the sound stage improvement was an unexpected bonus. I wondered if others would notice.
Cheers!
Morten
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For me in order of impact; low level retrieval, sound stage, dynamics.
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The LDR arrived yesterday from Roy....rajacat...in fine shape. All I've had time to do is unpack it I will get going hopefully by this weekend after "I've had a chance to make merry" as Bob Cratchit would say.
A Merry Christmas to all!!
Nick
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The LDR arrived yesterday from Roy....rajacat...in fine shape. All I've had time to do is unpack it I will get going hopefully by this weekend after "I've had a chance to make merry" as Bob Cratchit would say.
A Merry Christmas to all!!
Nick
Nick, I'm next on the list and will be good to go when you are ready to send it on.
Randy
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OK, Randy. Thanks for the heads up
Nick
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I decided to test the LD1 with several albums that I know well.
I gave up rather quickly trying to do quick comparisons between my hybrid tube pre and the LD1 because the continuous switching between them was too tedious and time consuming, Audio memory is short too. I like to listen in larger swatches of time to get a more accurate overall impression.
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the improved separation of the left and right channels. This was just a hint of the overall better imaging with a more accurate placement of the various instruments in the left/right continuum. The Charles Dutoit Respighi disk http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/910Kx2ODjiL._SL1500_.jpg with the full orchestra, exotic percussion and huge dynamic range let me evaluate the spatial imaging and detail retrieval. I heard low level detail that I hadn't noticed before as if I was missing a layer of sound. The very low self-noise of the LD1 indicates to me that this passive pre would be an excellent low volume performer. The noise floor emanating from my single drivers was considerably less than with the tube hybrid pre. In all fairness I suspect that some of this noise is because my current active pre has way too much gain for my 96db Omega bipoles. Nevertheless, I suspect that even if the gain was adjusted to the optimum, the LD1 would still be more transparent.
Bipolar speakers generally have a huge and deep soundstage but give up a little on pinpoint imaging. I noticed that the imaging did improve with the LD1 and the soundstage was less diffuse. I could place the various instruments more accurately.
At one point I did change the interconnects from the source ( Bolder SB3 >modded Mhdt Constantine dac) to the LD1 and to the amps (modded Heathkit W5m tube monoblocks) and discerned an upgrade to the sound. The improved transparency should make all system changes more distinguishable. I initially used some Blue Jeans cables because they're very flexible and were of optimal length thereby making changes easier but compared to my other cables with higher grade copper they just didn't sound as good.
I also listened to Lucinda William's Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and again the very transparent nature of the LD1 resulted in the proverbial "lifting of the veil". I heard background detail that I hadn't noticed before. The LD1 must be a very good match for my rig. At first I was a little skeptical that it could provide the same slam as my active pre but this was unwarranted. I also thought that it might have a lean quality but this too didn't materialize. Plenty meat on the bones here.
The third album I used for evaluation was Ahmed Jamal's Blue Moon. Like most of Jamal's albums, the dynamic range is huge and the SQ is quite good. He can play very softly and then escalate to crashing the keyboard. Once again better transparency with no loss of texture.The LD1 improved the sound quality of all the music I listened to in much the same way and I gained a new appreciation for the SQ of my tube monoblocks.
It's too bad I didn't have more time with the LD1. I miss it already. Sometime in the near future I'll undoubtedly purchase the kit. I would recommend it for anyone with a similar rig to mine. I want to thank Morten for setting up the tour and for refining the use of light dependent resistors in audio gear.
...Roy
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It's too bad I didn't have more time with the LD1. I miss it already. Sometime in the near future I'll undoubtedly purchase the kit. I would recommend it for anyone with a similar rig to mine. I want to thank Morten for setting up the tour and for refining the use of light dependent resistors in audio gear.
...Roy
Hi Roy,
Thank you for participating and for taking the time to draft(twice!) and post a review. Getting feedback...good or bad...is very useful. Thankfully it's been mostly positive. It's been quite a revelation to hear what's possible with LDRs especially with the improved input impedance.
I find the biggest challenge in marketing our LDRx passive preamps is with people who have tried passive preamps in the past and were disappointed...and all their friends who heard about it. It's hard to argue with someone's personal experience when it's been negative. Hopefully, the positive experiences from this tour will help to reopen the whole passive preamp debate and even...dare I suggest it...change a few minds! :o
Cheers!
Morten
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Hey guys,
The holidays really set me back and I apologize for the delay. I should be done by this weekend and will get the LDR to Randy
Nick
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I am shipping today.
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I am shipping today.
Got it.
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First off, my apologies for having the unit so long. I was hoping not to have to get into this, but I do owe you guys and Morten an explanation. I had eye surgery in mid December and was recovering and enjoying the holidays. I had a setback and needed another procedure. The restrictions were no stooping, bending, straining etc. So I had my wife hook up the cables (an interesting experience :) ) and I heard the dreaded hum...presumably a ground loop. I had my wife check all the connections and I double checked what I could, but the problem persisted. We then hooked up my Audience preamp and the same thing. Since I wasn't able to crawl behind the cabinet, I just wasn't able to pursue it further.
I will comment then on the fit and finish and some misc items.The unit is nice, but it's a little bit of a "plain Jane". I would need muliple inputs and would therefore prefer a wider chassis so that the connections are not quite so close together. That's especially useful when I use locking RCA's that are wider. As I'm into aesthetics as well, I'd order it without the blue letterig and either put a gold colored inlay in myself or have someone do it. It would match my beloved Basis Ovation turntable. The remote worked fine, but a digital volume readout would really be really nice also
I've been in this hobby...passion... for over 25 years and the guys at Audio Circle and Audio Nevosa have really helped me get a great sounding system. So I can say without hesitation that I would buy the LDR 6 based on the comments so far. It's exactly what I'm looking for. Right now I'm in California for another surgery within the next few days, so if you have some good vibes or prayers, pls pass them along.
Nick
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First off, my apologies for having the unit so long. I was hoping not to have to get into this, but I do owe you guys and Morten an explanation. I had eye surgery in mid December and was recovering and enjoying the holidays. I had a setback and needed another procedure. The restrictions were no stooping, bending, straining etc. So I had my wife hook up the cables (an interesting experience :) ) and I heard the dreaded hum...presumably a ground loop. I had my wife check all the connections and I double checked what I could, but the problem persisted. We then hooked up my Audience preamp and the same thing. Since I wasn't able to crawl behind the cabinet, I just wasn't able to pursue it further.
I will comment then on the fit and finish and some misc items.The unit is nice, but it's a little bit of a "plain Jane". I would need muliple inputs and would therefore prefer a wider chassis so that the connections are not quite so close together. That's especially useful when I use locking RCA's that are wider. As I'm into aesthetics as well, I'd order it without the blue letterig and either put a gold colored inlay in myself or have someone do it. It would match my beloved Basis Ovation turntable. The remote worked fine, but a digital volume readout would really be really nice also
I've been in this hobby...passion... for over 25 years and the guys at Audio Circle and Audio Nevosa have really helped me get a great sounding system. So I can say without hesitation that I would buy the LDR 6 based on the comments so far. It's exactly what I'm looking for. Right now I'm in California for another surgery within the next few days, so if you have some good vibes or prayers, pls pass them along.
Nick
Hi Nick,
Thank you for your report and best wishes for a speedy recovery from your eye ailments. There are few things in life as important as maintaining good health and when things go wrong with that everything else takes a back seat.
I do appreciate your comments about the spartan aesthetics of the LDR1. We took a very simple approach with the enclosure on our first product and plan to using all the feedback we've accumulated to come up with something that I think you and others will like a lot better. We hope to release our LDR3B by late February which will be a 3 input, 2 output balanced (XLR) passive preamp. I believe it will be the first ever fully balanced passive preamp designed around LDRs. Sometime after the LDR3B, we'll be releasing the LDR3, a single-ended version also with 3 inputs and 2 outputs. The LDR3 will replace the the original LDR1/LDR6 line. A 3D Cad drawing of the LDR3B is included below.
All the best to your and your family and I hope all goes well with your next surgery.
Regards,
Morten
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3b_enclosure_frontandrear.jpg)
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I believe it will be the first ever fully balanced passive preamp designed around LDRs...
Sorry my prior art already precedes yours by about 3+ years...
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Sorry my prior art already precedes yours by about 3+ years...
I stand corrected. :nono: I'd been given to believe that but did not know for sure. Thanks. :D
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Tomorrow I will be sending the LDRx on to David in Oak Park. He ought to have it by the end of the week.
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Hi Nick,
Thank you for your report and best wishes for a speedy recovery from your eye ailments. There are few things in life as important as maintaining good health and when things go wrong with that everything else takes a back seat.
I do appreciate your comments about the spartan aesthetics of the LDR1. We took a very simple approach with the enclosure on our first product and plan to using all the feedback we've accumulated to come up with something that I think you and others will like a lot better. We hope to release our LDR3B by late February which will be a 3 input, 2 output balanced (XLR) passive preamp. I believe it will be the first ever fully balanced passive preamp designed around LDRs. Sometime after the LDR3B, we'll be releasing the LDR3, a single-ended version also with 3 inputs and 2 outputs. The LDR3 will replace the the original LDR1/LDR6 line. A 3D Cad drawing of the LDR3B is included below.
All the best to your and your family and I hope all goes well with your next surgery.
Regards,
Morten
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3b_enclosure_frontandrear.jpg)
Hi Morten,
Thank you for your well wishes and to a couple of you for the private emails of encouragement. Much appreciated. I got a 2nd opinion in California and my local doctor agrees to do no more surgery for a while. I had an exam this morning and everything is healing fine.
I like the look of the new chassis and a more rectangular box is certainly helpful for the multiple jacks. It's nice when a manufacturer listens to comments and tries to improve a product. Am looking forward to Randy's comments
Nick
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I certainly enjoyed my time with the LDRx. I've long been a fan of passive preamps and had the once highly regarded "Line Drive" many years ago, so long ago, in fact, that I've forgotten the mfg. of that unit. For a few years I just bypassed pres and had my CDP, equipped with a volume control, (a Levinson unit) directly driving the power amps. For a while I used a Prometheus balanced TVC passive pre, I then went to a PS Audio integrated amp, then a Virtue 901 integrated. As you might notice, my history reveals an attempt, one way or another, to avoid active preamps. While I've never owned a megabuck pre, at one time I did have a Conrad Johnson solid state pre, briefly rated "Class A" by Stereophile, so at least they thought it was pretty good, but I never found an affordable, for me at least, active preamp I was ever completely happy with. I even had, still have, a tube preamp from English mfg. Croft. They all colored the sound in some way, or reduced transparency.
Most recently, I have gone back to using the Prometheus TVC with the Virtue. Supposedly, the Virtue's internal volume control is bypassed by turning the volume knob to maximum, allowing the use of an outboard preamp, but I have no idea if that's true. What is true, however, is that I thought adding the TVC into the mix improved the overall sonics, making for a smoother, more analog sound than did the integrated by itself. Another plus for the passive pre, is that with the Virture, which is battery powered. it allows me to get the amplification off the grid, an advantage here where the electricity goes into the toilet every night around 6:00. (Never have found a power conditioner that did much to help with that problem. I've tried many of the usual suspects.)
The Prometheus does not have balance control or remote control. These are two factors that originally made the LDRx attractive to me, even though, as far as sonics go, I was very happy with the Virtue/Premetheus combo. There is something about my listening room which tips the balance to the left channel in most recordings, which made the PS Audio (and the Levinson CDP), so nice as both had finely controllable channel balance levels.
I won't pretend to be able to describe the nuances of the sonics of the LDRx, but it was a great improvement over the Prometheus. Bass was better, it had a cleaner, clearer sound, treble was smoother and less sharp sounding, detail was better. Gorgeous midrange. A weakness of the Prometheus is that it gets a bit congested in loud orchestral passages. Nothing like that with the LDRx.
Sorry for the muddled "review", but just the same, this pre is a keeper, and I eventually plan to order one of the upcoming balanced versions.
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I didn't find it to be muddled at all. Nice description of your journey. Is your source still the Levinson CDP?
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I didn't find it to be muddled at all. Nice description of your journey. Is your source still the Levinson CDP?
No, the power supply on the Levinson went kaput, and since as far as I can tell, it's impossible to find anyone who can repair it, I moved on. My current and one and only source is a Sony 5400 SACD modified by the late Allen Wright of VSE.
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Sorry for the muddled "review", but just the same, this pre is a keeper, and I eventually plan to order one of the upcoming balanced versions.
Hi Randy,
Thank you for the review. Definitely not a muddle. You are another in a growing list of people who own transformer volume controllers (TVCs) that have concluded the LDRx passive is superior to their TVC. I've heard so many good things about TVCs that it's quite a compliment to hear this kind of feedback.
I've also had several customers tell me that the LDRx beat out the purely digital volume control built into their DACs. Who am I to argue! :green:
Thanks again Randy,
Cheers,
Morten
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Ladies and gentlemen, he's big, he's red, and gosh darn it he's a MACHINE! Let's hear a warm round of welcome for our next contestant on the LDR Tour....Pete.
Sent him the LDR Sat am. He should receive it on Mon 2/3.
My review of the LDR will follow later this weekend when time permits.
Spoiler: enjoyed it immensely.
-dB
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This thing is pretty decent. Stay tuned. :thumb:
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This thing is pretty decent. Stay tuned. :thumb:
Yes, it's been difficult going back to my old passive preamp. Morten, hurry up!
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OK, it took me a little longer than I expected to get back to this. Post-Super Bowl recovery, I guess (from staying up late, didn't care about the outcome).
I probably have a different situation than most -- I don't have a pre-amp in my system currently. I am using Pure Music for attenuation. In the past I have been using tube integrateds primarily, but I have been moving to SS in part to make the system more user-friendly for my wife (tubes can be intimidating for the uninitiated). When I moved to NCore amps, I made a fiscal decision that a commensurate pre-amp would have to wait.
Because the NCores are powerful and my speakers are high sensitivity, I need a good deal of attenuation under normal listening circumstances -- usually -45 dB, give or take. At that attenuation level, Pure Music (and indeed most digital attenuation) just isn't a stellar solution. I knew that going into the deal. So my current setup does not show off the other components to their best advantage. BTW, this is not to knock PM, which is a fine product -- I would venture that most software-based digital attenuation solutions have the same issues.
I had a Khozmo passive for a while and have demoed a Bent DIY passive as well. I can say with certainty that the Tortuga LDR is significantly better in my system than the Khozmo I had. Even though I haven't had it for a while, the performance difference was large. The Bent and the Tortuga are much closer in performance -- it would be unfair to make any further comparisons because I haven't had the Bent in my system for some time.
Here's what I can say about the Tortuga in comparison to the PM digital attenuation:
1. Dynamics are back in my system
2. Low-level listening no longer collapses the soundstage into a lifeless mound of ectoplasm
3. Bass performance is much improved -- it is tighter and less-one note
4. Clarity/transparency is probably the biggest improvement I noticed
5. Ability to hear the pluses and minuses of any recording is there in spades
6. Impressive speed and articulation
There is an element of "weight" that an active pre-amp brings to the table, but with most I have tried, it comes at the expense of some speed and transparency. IMHO, the Tortuga does a better job of paring away that unnecessary "thickness" in favor of a more direct, "truthful" sound. It's a trade-off I am happy to make. Factor in that I am running a single source computer-based system, and active pre-amps provide a lot more functionality (and added cost) than I really need.
In short, I was very, very impressed with the Tortuga. As Morten noted in my conversation with him, "if an LDR passive works with your system, it will really work". I agree wholeheartedly, and am looking forward to bringing one of these units "into the fold" on a permanent basis.
I hope the remaining tour members will enjoy this LDR as much as I did. If, like me, you are using significant digital attenuation, you owe it to yourself to try one of these passives. I doubt you'll go back. I thank Morten for sending this unit on tour....and congratulate him for a job well-done.
-dB
P.S. For the remaining tour users, I strongly recommend you read the Tortuga web page covering functions of the remote. I think you will find it very useful: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/product/infrared-remote/.
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Nice review, David.
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Nice review, David.
I agree. Thanks David.
Cheers,
Morten
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Here’s a quick review of the Tortuga passive preamp.
Some of the attributes I want to comment on:
Speed
Accuracy
Tone
Build
Listenability
System signal path is Afterburner 8 outlet, BPT Ultra 3.5, HAL MS-2 music server, Lampizator L4/G4, Tortuga in place of the Dude, TRL Samsons, Soundscape 8’s. Cables are DIY power and speaker, Soundsilver IC’s.
I only use ripped music now via JRiver. My most familiar playlist is called the Fun List and I am intimately familiar with all the songs I put in there. About 100 tracks long.
The preamp is lightweight and tidy. Super easy to hook up and the remote is intuitive. I had to do no research on how to use either piece. I did hold the volume control down for some time before firing up to make sure it was as low as it would go and wiped out any possible fatfingering I might have done to it while setting up. I am partial to blue lights so was pleased to see the blue indicator light that flashes when you send commands to the unit and turns off at system off. It did however look like a pipsqueak when parked on the very large Dude preamp. Its cross-section was about the size of the Dude logo.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=94256)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=94257)
I will make some comments about how I felt it stacked up against the Dude as it is my reference but right now I only want to speak to how it grabbed my attention on its own merits.
The first attribute that struck me was its accuracy/detail retrieval. While I know every one of these tunes there was no escaping every nuance of every song right off the bat. All the details of the instruments and movement of sounds back and forth across the soundstage was spot on. The bass was also prominent and tight. My first session with it I was not pleased with how the sound was detailed but perhaps slightly “too” pronounced as I started getting some fatigue. My first reaction to that was perhaps my attraction to the harmonics of tube gear is more what my brain can tolerate versus the Tortuga which is not tubed. Maybe I’m full of crap but that was my thought at the time. The session right now is not giving me fatigue, so go figure.
Speed. No slurring, no hesitation, no blurring of notes. Attack is very good. A more aggressive character than I am used to but not objectionable. If you are starting a new system on a budget I would say this preamp would be a fantastic choice and surpass a ton of preamps out there for way more dough.
The other word that kept popping into my head was tone. I feel that just about everything I am hearing is honest and true to the recording. Piano sounds like piano for instance. Guitar is very good. Voices, both male and female, are also spot on. The one thing I could not nail was the sound of tom toms sounding like a real drum being struck. I’m nitpicking, I know. But when a drumstick hits a Remo head it has a scuff and it has a reverberation of the head as well as the volume of the drum. Having hit enough of them in my day I know the early attack tone of what the head does when struck. I could not get that tone that the Dude gives me. Its subtle for sure and most would never know they missed it but it is one of the synergies existing between the Lampi and the Dude right now. Maybe the Dueland caps in both devices contribute to that. Not sure. But for sure the Tortuga is 98 out of 100 here.
For me the biggest factor is listenability; am I engaged in the session or just waiting for it to be over. I am not having fatigue, speed, bass, or accuracy regrets right at this very moment. What I am lacking is a total immersion. This could very well be my affinity for tubed gear. Over the years I have always moved away from solid state feeding solid state (as many of you would laugh out loud at knowing how many pieces I have had in and out my possession over the years). Now I have tube dac feeding tube pre feeding solid state amps. I may, in fact, be missing detail with the Dude set up but I can say it is totally engaging to me. But heck, we’re talking about a monster, hand wired, beast of a preamp against a kit that is giving such high performance against the goliath that its almost ridiculous when you step back and look at the big picture. I’ve had $2000 and $3000 active preamps that were no better than this Tortuga. Crazy good for the money. Ridonkulous.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=94258)
So Samson tried to slay Goliath. He didn’t kill him but he left a mark. Ouchy.
Thanks for letting me into the tour. This is a very nice piece and anyone needing a preamp should really consider it. It is much more than a starter piece or a stop-gap.
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Crazy good for the money. Ridonkulous.
Hey Big Red M.
Thank you for an excellent candid review. :thumb:
And for Ridonkulous. Can't have enough of that. :green:
P.S. Your Dude may be the first preamp I've seen that actually looks physically intimidating. :o
Cheers,
Morten
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You're welcome. it is a very nice design.
That's why they say: The Dude abides.
Kinda like Jabba the hut.
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It would've been interesting to have substituted a quality tube amp for the Samson and then run the comparison again. Although my hybrid pre isn't in the same league as The Dude, I found that the LDRx improved the overall SQ and the fatigue factor was low. I have a pair of modded/rebuilt Heathkit W5m monoblocks. It seems that almost any rig can be improved by adding a few tubes. The X factor. :)
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It would've been interesting to have substituted a quality tube amp for the Samson and then run the comparison again. Although my hybrid pre isn't in the same league as The Dude, I found that the LDRx improved the overall SQ and the fatigue factor was low. I have a pair of modded/rebuilt Heathkit W5m monoblocks. It seems that almost any rig can be improved by adding a few tubes. The X factor. :)
Hard to argue against this. :thumb:
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Guess I'm up next.
After joining the tour, I have switched to all balanced connections in my bi-amp system. My current tube preamp gives me 28db of gain in balanced mode. I have know problem re-wiring my system to unbalanced connections in order to try the Tortuga passive preamp. I'm not totally SOLD on balanced connections since all of my interconnects are under 1m. If the Tortuga preamp can drive my bi-amp system with zero gain, then I think it will be a keeper. Looking forward to the Tortuga preamp tour.
Thank you Morten.
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It would've been interesting to have substituted a quality tube amp for the Samson and then run the comparison again. Although my hybrid pre isn't in the same league as The Dude, I found that the LDRx improved the overall SQ and the fatigue factor was low. I have a pair of modded/rebuilt Heathkit W5m monoblocks. It seems that almost any rig can be improved by adding a few tubes. The X factor. :)
Tubes? We don't need no stinkin' tubes. :?
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What if your system sounds better with tubes in the sauce? Do your ears lie?
Why do you have a
Croft Super Micro Pre (all tube) in your rig?
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Tubes? We don't need no stinkin' tubes. :?
Well NOW you've done it....start'n up a another war of tubular aggression. :lol:
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What if your system sounds better with tubes in the sauce? Do your ears lie?
Why do you have a
Croft Super Micro Pre (all tube) in your rig?
My Croft pre has been sitting in a closet for pretty much the last 20 years. Interesting unit, but I came to dislike it's sonic colorations. Maybe I should try to sell it sometime.
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Well NOW you've done it....start'n up a another war of tubular aggression. :lol:
Sorry, Morten.
Have you heard this one?
A Swede was in a pub in Norway and a regular customer suggested to him:
"I'll give you $200, if you let me smash ten beer bottles on your head." The Swede thought for a while and finally agreed, thinking he could use the cash. The Norwegian smashed the first bottle on the Swede's head, then the second and so on, but he stopped after smashing nine bottles.
- "So, when are you going to smash the tenth bottle?," asked the Swede.
- "I am not a total idiot," the Norwegian replied, "then I would have to give you that $200."
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Tortuga passive preamp:
Loads of micro detail, excellent channel separation and soundstage depth making instruments and vocalist easily placed in the mix. Good tight bass response. Remote balance and volume controls were a plus for my system.
The Tortuga passive preamp is very revealing. It has the ability to bring out the good or bad in a system. My current setup is a bit too bright for the Tortuga and would require some component changes elsewhere in the chain. Treble was highlighted in my SS system with some occasional sizzle while running the Tortuga. I found myself using the remote volume often turning down the system from my usual listening level. I used both sets of unbalanced outputs on the Tortuga to my bi-amp system which is usually running a balanced tube pre with 26db of gain. The balanced version of the Tortuga passive preamp may be better suited for my existing equipment.
With funds available I can see myself building a new system around the Tortuga preamp possibly with a tube amp and some high efficiency open baffle loudspeakers or monitors.
Overall a good passive preamp that many folks will enjoy.
Thank you Morten for allowing me to join the Tour.
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I am enjoying following this tour.
I actually have fond memories of the passive pre I had a number of years ago, the FT Audio. I recall its transparency with fondness, and am sorry I let it go. (Even though it had a pot!)
What puzzles me about the LDR1 is that it has one set of inputs, and two sets of outputs.
Why not have two sets of inputs, and one set of outputs?
I need to input and select between two inputs (Phono and CD) but really only need one output to one amp.
Given that the basic pre-amp function is to select between sources as well as to adjust volume, I would have thought that would be the starting point.
And,yet, the LDR6 goes nuts with 6 inputs and 1 output.
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I am enjoying following this tour.
I actually have fond memories of the passive pre I had a number of years ago, the FT Audio. I recall its transparency with fondness, and am sorry I let it go. (Even though it had a pot!)
What puzzles me about the LDR1 is that it has one set of inputs, and two sets of outputs.
Why not have two sets of inputs, and one set of outputs?
I need to input and select between two inputs (Phono and CD) but really only need one output to one amp.
Given that the basic pre-amp function is to select between sources as well as to adjust volume, I would have thought that would be the starting point.
And,yet, the LDR6 goes nuts with 6 inputs and 1 output.
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the second set of outputs for a subwoofer?
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Or a dedicated headphone amp. Its always tough to determine exactly how many ins and outs to include depending on the price point and versatility one requires. One input keeps the cost down and is significantly less costly than two outs, which essentially is just a splitter. There is the LDR3 for those that require more ins, albeit at an added cost.
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I am enjoying following this tour.
I actually have fond memories of the passive pre I had a number of years ago, the FT Audio. I recall its transparency with fondness, and am sorry I let it go. (Even though it had a pot!)
What puzzles me about the LDR1 is that it has one set of inputs, and two sets of outputs.
Why not have two sets of inputs, and one set of outputs?
I need to input and select between two inputs (Phono and CD) but really only need one output to one amp.
Given that the basic pre-amp function is to select between sources as well as to adjust volume, I would have thought that would be the starting point.
And,yet, the LDR6 goes nuts with 6 inputs and 1 output.
In hindsight I have to agree with you. The LDR6 was an exercise in what you could fit into a given amount of real estate and the LDR1 was an attempt to reduce cost/price. The "Goldilocks" design is probably 3 inputs and 2 outputs. The next version of our single ended passive preamp will have just that - the LDR3. The LDR3 will be released soon after the LDR3B, it's bigger badder balanced brother. :thumb:
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Thanks for the response!
Three In, Two Out sounds great to me!
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Review forthcoming this weekend...
Sorry for the delay...
Anand.
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Well here it is. Many of you have been patiently waiting for my review of Morten's LDRx unit especially in light of the fact that I had built my own balanced version of John Chapman's TAP-X called the Lazarus (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=118082.0).
My system is detailed here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=systems;system=1184
Let's just cut to the chase. This is a fantastic unit. I plugged it in, and even though it is RCA based and I have a fully balanced system, I had enough unbalanced interconnects (and my source does have an unbalanced output) that configuration was easy. Then I listened. And I didn't stop listening. And I had no motivation to get up or tweak anything.
So how does it compare to my fully balanced and unbalanced TAP-X unit? The biggest difference isn't in tonality, imaging, microdetailing, macrodetailing or PRAT (which the LDRx has PLENTY of). It was in soundstaging. The LDRx puts you more up front and center while the TAP-X is more midhall. I could turn the volume up a little more with the TAP-X and the presentation became more similar, but not the same. With the LDRx, the presentation could be a little more forward, which I did prefer on some recordings. On other recordings...not so much. At times, I thought the LDRx presented a little more detail especially at the trailing edge of an instrument or especially on acoustical recordings, but I soon realized that the TAP-X could do the same, you just had to turn the volume up a few clicks.
I truly believe that the performance of the LDRx is nothing short of remarkable given the competition, i.e. the TAP-X. The differences were far more subtle than I had imagined and in fact, one could choose either one and come out ahead.
So where does this leave us? I thought about this long and hard because for many of you, the Bent Audio products are a bit too expensive. Understand what you are paying for however. Given that the sonic differences between the 2 products are small and that I only had balanced TAP-X on hand (and sorry I didn't do a comparison from the RCA outputs on my TAP-X), I will say that the packaging, remote, phenomenal front panel user interface and friendliness account for the differences in price between the 2 products. First you need to ascertain whether a passive preamp can work in your system from a volume perspective, i.e. do you have enough gain in your system for MOST of your recordings? Next, you need to ask yourself if your amplifier has a low input impedance (i.e. less than 40k ohms) or greater. If it's higher and you want something fully built with remote and need a single ended/RCA based device, call Morten immediately! $1.2k-$1.3K is a mere pittance. If you want something that is compatible with low input impedance amplifiers (i.e. less than 40K ohms), a little more lavish looking with a phenomenal remote handset, or you have interconnects longer than 1-2M, then build yourself a BENT AVC-1 for $1.6K. A little more will get you the fully built version. For balanced, there is only one currently on the market, but I am sure Morten's unit is right around the corner and should be competitive.
For the crafty, one could go with Morten's LDRx kit, or purchase a pair of AVC transformers from John Chapman and build your own enclosure etc...you should be able to do both for a good 30% less than what these fellas are asking for their built units (which is cheap!!!). You'll get all the sonics with less user friendliness. Big deal, yah, your creation might look like ass but at least with lights out you are in sonic bliss.
Okay. What should you NOT do? Don't spend $3K-$10K on a preamp thinking that it is going to kick the pants off of Morten's LDRx or the Bent TAP-X cause in all likelihood, it may be better in a few areas while compromising others. And most of the time, in my experience, it has been worse, sometimes considerably worse! That's right, if you are looking for a preamp at less than $10K, check out Morten's LDRx. If you want a preamp that can add 7dB of gain, work with a more variety of amplifiers, even have headphones plugged in, go for the Bent unit. Both of these products should be able to satisfy a good 99% of audiophiles IMHO.
But's that all that is...my honest audiophile douche bag's opinion :wink:
Thanks again Morten, a job well done, and most highly recommended. :thumb:
Best,
Anand.
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Thanks for the great write up, LDRx is certainly at the top of my diy hit list. :thumb:
And im sure anyone hearing your system and room wouldn't think your a douche, more like a diy genius. :lol:
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But's that all that is...my honest audiophile douche bag's opinion :wink:
Thanks again Morten, a job well done, and most highly recommended. :thumb:
Best,
Anand.
Hi Anand,
Thank you for the kind words, for participating in the tour and for taking the time to put your thoughts into writing. Best douche bag review ever. No wait.....that didn't come out right. :?
Cheers,
Morten :thumb:
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Nice review Anand! Thanks for doing it and posting your findings.
Congrats to the mfgs for making excellent products at very reasonable prices.
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Received the unit in good order from Posiedonsvoice. I'll be firing it up this weekend.
My only other experience with passives was a K&K TVC (good) and a simple pot-in-a-box. This should be fun!
Chris
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I was right, this is great fun. My initial impression is this is quite a device. It functions smoothly and sounds awesome!
Bass, body, imaging, sweetness, and very clean highs are all there. Tonal color is excellent too. I'll try to keep an open (critical) mind as I evaluate it over the next few days with more of my favorite music, but I'm quite impressed so far.
Had another audiophile friend over this afternoon (fixing another noise in my tube preamp!). He is a talented amp designer and I've been listening off and on to the prototype of a low power SS integrated amp that he will be building for me. When I signed up for this demo tour I was thinking of having him incorporate an LDR into his design, substituting for his typical resistor pot. To demo the concept we put the Tortuga passive in from of his prototype and dialed its volume pot to full to basically take it out of the circuit. The result was excellent, significantly more vibrant at all volume levels than without the Tortuga and still very clean.
I tend to keep the components and cables that I like. I run a couple systems and I enjoy changing components out periodically to vary the experience. I love my tube preamp and I will keep it, but I'm thinking there may be a Tortuga LDR added to my stable of components quite soon.
Chris
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Been without the LDR1 now for a few days, on its way to the next reviewer, and I miss it.
Guess its time for my review too...I'm no professional writer so recognize that, but I have been around decent audio equipment for about 40 years. On audio boards I also tend to state my observations the way I hear them and sometimes in the face of opposition, but I don't care.
I like my tube preamp. I liked the S&B TVC that I auditioned a few years back. I REALLY like Morten's LDR1.
The rest of the system used for most of the trial is an AppleTV source, Musical Fidelity V-Dac, a pair of Monarchy SM-70 Pro amps and Soliloquy 5.0 speakers.
Cables are a mix of JPS SC-3, Nordost Heimdal IC's, Morrow Audio MA-2's, and well worn Mapleshade Golden Helix speaker cables. All these cables impart their own character, and all are excellent sounding to my ear.
For the first week I ran a single Monarchy amp (24 w/ch) at the modest levels where I do most of my listening. The last couple days I reconfigured the cabling to run both amps in my favorite vertical bi-amp setup. Thank you Morten for the dual RCA outputs!
I do most of my listening to Jazz, Jam, Jamgrass, Bluegrass, R&B and some Classical.
Characteristics I found with the LDR1 can be summarized as follows:
natural full bass with good transients and heft
excellent midrange balance
improvement of a narrow band midrange ring that my speakers suffer from
clean with good transparency. Possibly a bit less transparency than I have heard before with my system, but I've never experienced so balanced a midrange in my system before which may affect that perception.
consistently great sense of tonal color, with good saturation.
highly listenable, even allowing me to listen into and appreciate music that I often find strident (even with the tubes, Chicago and Otis Redding recordings for instance). Possibly there is some softening of the edges of notes? I don't know, but it certainly was no negative for me.
a real sense of flow and a lack of sibilance and high frequency hash that brought back some memories of how things sounded with my old Phillips and B&O turntables. I did not expect this but it was great.
The last day, with my wife and kids out of town I was able to crank it up loud with some full throated recordings: Greyboy Allstars, Cowboy Junkies, Lotus. All very listenable with great PRAT. I was able to take the volume right to the point of fear of ripping a woofer surround. No listening fatigue.
One of my favorite Lotus tracks is a live version of Umbilical Moonrise. An emotional piece with a really cool kick-drum that is startling and telling on a system's bass transient ability and quality. With the LDR1 in the system, it sounded the best I have heard it.
Am I going on too much with the positives?...I didn't prefer the LDR1 with everything I put through it. Maybe 90%, though all of this is probably system dependent.
One example would be Frank Zappa's guitar in a couple of my favorite FZ solo's. His recordings tend to be thinner and more bracing and my tube preamp (distortion and all) gives it the right amount of bloom, crunch and drive to make it fun. Not quite as much fun with the LDR1.
Also my memory (been a few years) of the TVC was an utter sense of cleanness and transparency, though this was quite possibly accentuated by its thinner balance. I don't feel like anything is missing listening to the LDR1, but the TVC seemed amazing in that regard.
In summary, the LDR1 is highly recommended.
Chris
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In summary, the LDR1 is highly recommended.
I think he liked it. :wink:
Thanks for participating and for taking the time for write up your review Chris.
Cheers,
Morten
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I have just received the LDR this afternoon - it was well packaged and in good shape. I hope to do some listening tonight and should be able to post my thoughts this weekend.
Thanks,
Briang
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I would like to thank Morten for making the LDRx available for demo on the tour.
I’ll cut to the chase – I really like this unit.
My system consists of an Olive 4HD server to a PS Audio PW Dac2 to a Luminous Audio Axiom (LAA) passive pre to a Dsonic M3 1200 amp and then the Vapor Audio Cirrus Black speakers. Speaker cables and interconnects are Grover Huffman. I use the Dac for fine grain volume changes via the remote and the LAA passive for large volume changes. The LAA is a simple, one input and one output, Caddock resistor based passive that I have had for years and I feel is the best $125 I have spent in this hobby.
Directly comparing one passive to another seemed to be on the order of a tweak to me but it actually turned out to be a proper component upgrade. The first thing I noticed is that the LDRx had better base which also yielded a deeper soundstage. The LDRx was also more detailed and colorful. I think the biggest surprise is that the LDRx had better flow as though there was less artificial tension in the music. My listening sessions lasted longer and I just let my mood dictate my music selections rather than purposefully select audiophile recordings. In the end, I just enjoyed my system more with the LDRx in the chain.
I expect to have the unit packed and shipped to the next tour destination this weekend.
Thanks again and let me know if anyone has any questions.
Briang
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I would like to thank Morten for making the LDRx available for demo on the tour.
I’ll cut to the chase – I really like this unit.
My system consists of an Olive 4HD server to a PS Audio PW Dac2 to a Luminous Audio Axiom (LAA) passive pre to a Dsonic M3 1200 amp and then the Vapor Audio Cirrus Black speakers. Speaker cables and interconnects are Grover Huffman. I use the Dac for fine grain volume changes via the remote and the LAA passive for large volume changes. The LAA is a simple, one input and one output, Caddock resistor based passive that I have had for years and I feel is the best $125 I have spent in this hobby.
Directly comparing one passive to another seemed to be on the order of a tweak to me but it actually turned out to be a proper component upgrade. The first thing I noticed is that the LDRx had better base which also yielded a deeper soundstage. The LDRx was also more detailed and colorful. I think the biggest surprise is that the LDRx had better flow as though there was less artificial tension in the music. My listening sessions lasted longer and I just let my mood dictate my music selections rather than purposefully select audiophile recordings. In the end, I just enjoyed my system more with the LDRx in the chain.
I expect to have the unit packed and shipped to the next tour destination this weekend.
Thanks again and let me know if anyone has any questions.
Briang
Thanks for the feedback and your participation in the tour. Glad you liked it.
As we get more feedback on our LDRx Passives it's really quite remarkable how similar the descriptive commentary has been regarding the sound. That said, I thought your "less artificial tension" comment was uniquely spot-on. Personally, I really enjoy that relaxed flow of the LDRx which I think is critical to avoiding listening fatigue. Thanks again.
Cheers,
Morten
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I am very late on this review and should have gotten it in before briang but I have been swamped with work. Sorry about that!
I do not feel I have much experience or qualification for a review in any other regard than that I have an opinion. And although I have read quite a few, I have never done a review of my own.
My system consists of Squeezebox Touch - Mytek DSD 192 - Ncore Dual Mono Amps - Gedlee Abbey. I use the volume control on the Mytek to send the signal via XLR to the Ncore amps and also use the RCA outputs into a Behringer DCX that processes the signal for 4 Gedlee Bandpass subs.
I have read comments where people claim to want to have the cleanest signal and what is essentially a straight wire with gain. This made me think that I would be best served using a DAC that has volume (preamp) capability. After all, why clutter the system with added circuits and boxes?
Well, I must say.... I was wrong. Very soon after putting the LDR into the chain I was rewarded with a noticeably better system in every way. I didn't switch back to the Mytek until it was time to return the demo unit so there was no jumping back and forth to make head to head comparisons. I simply did not have to!
I feel like I went from:
-being with Gisele Bundchen to Jessica Biel
-looking through lenses to no lens at all
-shaving with a 3 day old razor to a brand new 5 blade
-driving a Nissan Maxima to a Mercedes S-Class
-the city to a mountain top on a beautiful spring day
Nothing is really bad about the previous versions of each of these and some are quite excellent - that is until you have the new reference.
I mean, both of these women are fine but to me the latter is the total package and has an appropriate fullness to her. She is not thin in any way. She is not bloated. She is healthy and "right". If the greatest artist in the world were to paint the female form it would come out as she is. The proportions are there and they are as they should be. One wants for nothing more.
Some lenses are great for seeing deeper but it is when you can see and experience something without that slight bit of material in between that you realize how clear it can be. Lenses will still allow you to see where the musicians are upon the stage but perfect vision allows a delineation that you may not have known existed. The LDR cleared out something that I did not even realize was there.
I keep my razors for a week or so and they will give a close shave but it is instantly recognizable when I put in a new blade. That closeness and fine level of precision you get with the new one is what we all want - every time. How smooth it is. So smooth.
Cars these days are great and I doubt there are really any bad ones. The quality level at Nissan is such that one could get behind the wheel and have a truly solid time. There would be absolutely no issues or problems one would experience. Everything needed, requested, required or hoped for is there.... but then you get into a Mercedes and you are just engulfed in a level of quality, styling and thoughtfulness that is evident without even thinking about it. It is just emanating from the product, it is not strained or over the top. It is exquisite in a way that does not draw attention to itself yet it is fully apparent. The solidity when closing the doors and the lack of outside distracting noise all contribute to a comfortable environment that has no associated strain - no matter how fast you want to go.
Cities are a fun and exciting place to be. There is a lot going on and a lot to see, but it takes getting into the great outdoors to breathe that crisp, clean, fine air that is free from the smog and pollution to realize how much really is there. Sure, it does not jump out at you and scream look at me! Over here! Over there! No, it just is.... everything is in the proper place with the proper size and the proper amount. There is everything and yet seemingly nothing. Admittedly, cities have trees and grass and even animals - but somehow, we all know that they are just not really proper. Yet, it is never questioned when in the mountains. It fits!
Is the LDR perfect? Probably not. Does it have issues that I wish it didn't? Yes. I would like to see a better remote, to have a digital readout so I know the volume level, to have multiple inputs and balanced connections. In fact, I had to use some XLR to RCA converters that I picked up at Guitar Center since my amps are XLR only. This caused an issue with a little hum out of the right channel but this problem was over shadowed by the quality of sound that was coming through the unit. So much good was going on that I did not notice this at the levels I usually listen.
All in all, I was surprised at how much of an improvement the LDR made in my system and I have begun the search for a pre to integrate. Perhaps it will be the new upcoming balanced unit from Tortuga. I have heard from Morten that the new unit will be larger that the one I auditioned and although that is a minor issue, I still would like to see the unit remain at the same size. It is neat to be able to put the pre on the same shelf as the Touch and Mytek. I guess you can't have it all.
Thanks Morten for the opportunity to check out your awesome LDR and please do not confuse my highly, non related comparative as an indication that it is not a serious piece of equipment. It is only an indication that I do not know how to write a proper review!
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Thanks Morten for the opportunity to check out your awesome LDR and please do not confuse my highly, non related comparative as an indication that it is not a serious piece of equipment. It is only an indication that I do not know how to write a proper review!
My review of cloudbaseracer's review.
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Starts off with apologetic disclaimer regarding lack of qualifications to do a review.
Proceeds to write one hell of a review.
Closes with apology for not doing a proper review.
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Nicely done. Much appreciation and thank you for participating in the tour.
Regarding reviews in general my own view is there is no absolute right or proper way to do a review....of anything. The best reviews are the ones that convey the honest opinions of the reviewer. Some reviewers vivisect the hardware and put it under a test microscope and then report on the objective findings. Kind of like a science project. Informative. Perhaps even useful to us gearheads who highly value specifications. Others provide a subjective impressionistic rendering of their listening experience wrapped in great prose. More fun to read for some. Perhaps more useful to those who are looking for more of an emotional connection to their audio gear if not their music. Personally I prefer a 25/75 mix of objective/subjective. What really turns me off is the reviewer who tries to impress me with how much they know and who they know....all me me me. I'll take reviews like cloudbaseracer's over that kind of review all day long.
Cheers,
Morten
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The LDR1 tour is finished and the LDR1 is back home after traveling several thousand miles and making 13 stops along the way.
I want to thank all of the participants for giving the LDR1 a run around the track and especially for taking the time to write/post your impressions. I was quite pleased that the overwhelming consensus is the LDR1 exceeded expectations and was very well received indeed.
The longer I work with audio equipment the more I'm convinced that preamps...and more specifically, volume control....is where the most damage is done to the audio signal. The ubiquitous and seemingly benign volume control "pot" is really not the audiophile's friend. And while there are various alternatives to pots, I'm more convinced than ever before that LDRs are truly the best option available for volume control.
Our well traveled LDR1 will be getting an upgraded power regulator and software update and then will be on its way to its permanent home with one of the participants who decided he wanted it back. :D
I'll be sending each of you a PM with a little something as a thank you for participating.
Kind Regards, :thumb:
Morten
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It was a great little unit that left a positive impression. It's not ofetn enough that we get to try out gear in tours. Thanks!
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The LDR1 tour is finished and the LDR1 is back home after traveling several thousand miles and making 13 stops along the way.
I want to thank all of the participants for giving the LDR1 a run around the track and especially for taking the time to write/post your impressions. I was quite pleased that the overwhelming consensus is the LDR1 exceeded expectations and was very well received indeed.
The longer I work with audio equipment the more I'm convinced that preamps...and more specifically, volume control....is where the most damage is done to the audio signal. The ubiquitous and seemingly benign volume control "pot" is really not the audiophile's friend. And while there are various alternatives to pots, I'm more convinced than ever before that LDRs are truly the best option available for volume control.
Our well traveled LDR1 will be getting an upgraded power regulator and software update and then will be on its way to its permanent home with one of the participants who decided he wanted it back. :D
I'll be sending each of you a PM with a little something as a thank you for participating.
Kind Regards, :thumb:
Morten
Thanks Morten! You and your LDR's rock!
Best,
Anand.
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I'd like to thank Morten for his generosity in allowing me to participate in the tour. I'd like to thank all the tour participants for the time invested in evaluating the LDR-1 and not harming MY LDR-1! I was surprised that it performed so well in such a variety of different systems. Maybe Tortuga can change the perception that passive pres require an inordinate amount of special attention in order to work acceptably. Looking forward to getting it back!
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PM Sent