Almost gave up. All-diy-ed 3-way active system was horrible. Frequently I'm every bit as stoopid as I look, so I didn't check each unit but just threw 'em all together & applied power.
TVC turned out not to be part of the problem. Hooked it up with known-good amp & speakers et voila; complete satisfaction! I'll never let an active preamp in my house again. Anyone want a nearly-new Arcam integrated, cheap?