AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Tortuga Audio => Topic started by: tortugaranger on 3 Feb 2015, 09:57 pm

Title: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 3 Feb 2015, 09:57 pm
Finally getting some new product pics. Here are a few shots of the LDR3.V2 with silver face.

(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Front_Right_IMG_1899.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Front_Side_IMG_1936.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Rear_SideView_IMG_1931.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Rear_Down_IMG_1886.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Front_IMG_1908.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Side_Right_IMG_1925.jpg)
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: SlushPuppy on 3 Feb 2015, 10:00 pm
I like it  :thumb:
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: WireNut on 3 Feb 2015, 10:09 pm
I think it looks awesome. Wish it was available in a 17-19'" wide unit to match the rest of my equipment.







Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: TJHUB on 3 Feb 2015, 10:52 pm
Looks great!  I can't wait to get mine.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 3 Feb 2015, 10:55 pm
Looks great!  I can't wait to get mine.

Actually those pics are of YOUR unit which goes out the door first thing tomorrow morning.  :thumb:
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: TJHUB on 3 Feb 2015, 10:58 pm
Actually those pics are of YOUR unit which goes out the door first thing tomorrow morning.  :thumb:

Ha!  I just emailed a friend stating that that could even be mine.  Looks like I was right.  :D

Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 3 Feb 2015, 10:59 pm
I think it looks awesome. Wish it was available in a 17-19'" wide unit to match the rest of my equipment.

Well, the extruded box we use is 6" wide so 3 together would be 18" and we could easily fabricate matching front/back panels. Lots of extra aluminum housing air, but doable.  :lol:
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: TJHUB on 3 Feb 2015, 11:23 pm
It would be nice to see pics of a unit powered up. 
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: robertopisa on 4 Feb 2015, 03:53 am
Nice, I like it except the fact that the black screws are not on level with the face plate. They contrast too much  with the minimalist style of the plate, which is nice. Also for the knob I would use a simple cilinder rather than the carved one. Just my two cents :)

Cheers
-R
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: Magnatest on 4 Feb 2015, 12:07 pm
A more flush look can be achieved by replacing the screws with button head screws.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: TJHUB on 4 Feb 2015, 12:30 pm
A more flush look can be achieved by replacing the screws with button head screws.

Better yet, I plan to use these flat heads:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=114250)
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 4 Feb 2015, 01:30 pm
Better yet, I plan to use these flat heads:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=114250)

Nice looking bit of hardware. Who makes/sells them?
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: TJHUB on 4 Feb 2015, 01:33 pm
You can get pretty much anything like this from McMaster Carr.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 4 Feb 2015, 01:38 pm
You can get pretty much anything like this from McMaster Carr.

True enough. They are also consistently the most expensive supplier of everything as well. Always looking for alternatives.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: TJHUB on 4 Feb 2015, 01:41 pm
True enough. They are also consistently the most expensive supplier of everything as well. Always looking for alternatives.

It's not so bad when you're not a manufacturer.  :wink:
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: rollo on 4 Feb 2015, 03:48 pm
  Nice industrial look. Are the RCAs silver or nickel ? Is the unit grounded or can it be ?


charles
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 4 Feb 2015, 04:05 pm
  Nice industrial look. Are the RCAs silver or nickel ? Is the unit grounded or can it be ?
charles

The RCA's are Cardas rhodium over silver over eutectic brass.

The ground from the 12 VDC power wall-wart PS is connected to a star ground point internally as are all audio grounds. The power jack is grounded to the chassis/rear-panel so the chassis should be at ground as well.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: rollo on 4 Feb 2015, 04:26 pm
The RCA's are Cardas rhodium over silver over eutectic brass.

The ground from the 12 VDC power wall-wart PS is connected to a star ground point internally as are all audio grounds. The power jack is grounded to the chassis/rear-panel so the chassis should be at ground as well.

  Thanks for the speedy reply. Interest is perking.

charles
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 4 Feb 2015, 08:40 pm
An additional pic showing live display.   :thumb:

(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Front_LiveNumbers_IMG_1939.jpg)
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: TJHUB on 5 Feb 2015, 03:14 am
Thanks for the pic!  :thumb:
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 6 Feb 2015, 02:42 am
A few more pics of the LDR3.V2 showing the optional bamboo front panel and also the black anodized rear panel.

(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Front_Bamboo_IMG_1971.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Side_Bamboo_IMG_1965.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Rear_BlackAnodize_IMG_1963.jpg)
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 6 Feb 2015, 01:19 pm
The LDR3.V2 - internal assembly

(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR3.V2_Internals.jpg)
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: 33na3rd on 6 Feb 2015, 04:41 pm
Very nice!

Do we get to see a picture of the black version soon?
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 6 Feb 2015, 04:54 pm
Very nice!

Do we get to see a picture of the black version soon?

You mean the Darth Vader model? Soon!
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 13 Feb 2015, 02:32 pm
Behold, the "Darth Vader" black-on-black version of the LDR3.V2.

(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/BlackFront_IMG_2046.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/BlackFrontSide_IMG_2051.jpg)
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/Rear_BlackAnodize_IMG_1963.jpg)
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: 33na3rd on 13 Feb 2015, 04:19 pm
Behold, the "Darth Vader" black-on-black version of the LDR3.V2.



I really like that!

That picture will help me get by, until mine arrives!

Thank you!
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: Tomy2Tone on 13 Feb 2015, 05:29 pm
Just wanted to say as an outsider looking in that your preamps are looking better and better! The screws don't bother me and as someone else mentioned I like the industrial look on the black and silver face plates. Bamboo looks great too!

I'm not looking for a passive pre at the time being but you never know, I'll certainly look at Tortuga if I do.

Just curious, are these black style cases also available with your larger LDRx line of preamps?
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 13 Feb 2015, 07:04 pm
Just curious, are these black style cases also available with your larger LDRx line of preamps?

The LDRx/LDRxB case is a custom built design that uses solid 3-ply bamboo sides, similar black front/rear anodized panel look & feel, and black top panel. But no visible screws/bolts in front panel. It does not use an extruded uni-body like the smaller LDR3.V2. 
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 8 Aug 2015, 06:44 pm
Just received confirmation that The Absolute Sound will be publishing a review on the LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp.  :thumb:
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: kernelbob on 8 Aug 2015, 06:57 pm
Any chance of TAS also auditioning the LDR3B-V2?  They might be surprised at the sound coming out of their big rigs.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: ThuanDB on 10 Aug 2015, 12:58 am
Any chance of TAS also auditioning the LDR3B-V2?  They might be surprised at the sound coming out of their big rigs.

Exciting news!  Let's hear what TAS has to say about it.  Balanced LDR would be even of higher SQ.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 10 Aug 2015, 01:47 pm
Any chance of TAS also auditioning the LDR3B-V2?  They might be surprised at the sound coming out of their big rigs.


Let's see how things go with this single ended review first. Once it's out I can always float the idea of a follow-on balanced review.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: jacofman on 7 Sep 2015, 08:14 pm
What are the differences sonically between this preamp and the LDR-x passive preamp? Are the differences strictly aesthetic? I'm really curious. The answer is probably right on your website but I missed it. Thanks in advance for your help.

J.
Title: Re: LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp - 3 RCA Inputs - Dual RCA Output
Post by: tortugaranger on 8 Sep 2015, 01:39 pm
What are the differences sonically between this preamp and the LDR-x passive preamp? Are the differences strictly aesthetic? I'm really curious. The answer is probably right on your website but I missed it. Thanks in advance for your help.
J.

Yes, this question comes up often for good reason. It's confusing. The short answer is there's no sonic differentiation. We introduced the LDRx at the same time we released our LDRxB Balanced Passive Preamp. Some time later we introduced the lower cost LDR3.V2 in a less elegant but lower cost package. We wrote up an explanation which can be found here: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/ldrx-vs-ldr3-v2-a-tale-of-two-ldr-preamps/ (http://www.tortugaaudio.com/ldrx-vs-ldr3-v2-a-tale-of-two-ldr-preamps/)