[tommg]

For those of you looking to put an active stage in John's new TAP, consider the large chassis with Raleigh active stage. I'm very happy with the results. See pics:


http://www.raleighaudio.com/george.htm

[John Chapman]

Hello!

Thanks for the link to the pics! Tom recieved  the first of these new cases - one of many case types that will be done this fall. This particular case is the TAP-X case - all the parts from a TAP pre-amp inside a case big enough to 'x'periment in. My thought was for folks wanting to roll in a DAC or Phono Stage into the same box as the pre-amp or as Tom has done to play with an active like stage like the Raleigh kit.

I'll be posting more info as I get all the pics done and finish off the other case options.

Thansk!

John

[denjo]

Hi John and Tom
Interesting option! How does adding the active work? Is there a switch to alternate between active and passive? Much as I love the TAP passive (review to follow), I sometimes feel the urge to add a tube into the chain. With the stock TAP I understand this benefit can easily be done through the HT bypass, allowing the active tube pre to bypass the TAP.

Kudos John for a brilliant idea and for offering TAP owners the wonderful opportunity. But, I still love the shape of the stock TAP more! It has a more futuristic look that never fails to be a conversation piece!

Best regards
Dennis

[John Chapman]

Hello!

The TAP-X is strictly a DIY option so how it works will depend entirely on how a builder designs it. It will even be available with - gasp - resistor modules instead of the TVC's. For most active line stage builders the resistor modules will make a more cost effective solution - basically the TAP-X then forms the 'shell' of a pre-amp project. I picture most TAP-X TVC units will be used passive and the expansion space used for adding internal sources like a phono stage and / or DAC added internally. 

The primary considderation during the TAP-X case design was to maximize space and flexibility for these DIY projects. The TAP pre-amp - although it looks more of a design piece - has NO extra space inside for additional stuff. 


Many Thansk!

John