AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Tortuga Audio => Topic started by: tortugaranger on 29 Aug 2013, 01:50 pm
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Hi to All!
I'm pleased to announce that Tortuga Audio has joined AudioCircle as an industry sponsor. :D
We are a small company with big plans and a focus on delivering high value products to the audiophile community. We're currently offering a line of digitally controlled passive preamps that utilize LDRs for attenuation rather than pots, stepped resistors or transformers. We can report that customers and reviewers alike have been very impressed with our LDRx passive preamps.
We believe in open interactive communications with our existing and prospective customers as well as audio enthusiasts who are just curious and want to add to the conversation. To that end, we will be redirecting forum traffic from our website forum to AudioCircle going forward and may eventually retire our website forum altogether.
I look forward to hearing from you and expanding our interactions with the AudioCircle community.
To find out more about Tortuga Audio and its current LDR preamp products I invite you to visit our website/store at: www.tortugaaudio.com (http://www.tortugaaudio.com)
All the best! :thumb:
Morten
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/logo_tortuga_audio_432x72_clear.png)
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Welcome Morten!
I think your designs are really cool and wish you the best in your own circle. Hopefully, you will continue to support the DIY'er! :thumb:
Best,
Anand.
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Welcome Morten!
I think your designs are really cool and wish you the best in your own circle. Hopefully, you will continue to support the DIY'er! :thumb:
Best,
Anand.
Thanks Anand and yes, I've every intention of continuing to support the DIY community. For now that means ongoing support for our LDR3x DIY Preamp Controller Board. In the future we may also be offering enclosures etc. but more on that down the road.
Meanwhile our prime focus is on releasing our LDR3B Balanced Passive Preamp built around our existing digitally controlled LDR technology.
Cheers,
Morten
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Will you be at RMAF 2013?
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Will you be at RMAF 2013?
As things stand now probably not. Being a small shop with ambitious development activity underway we're currently buried between developing our next gen products and keeping up with production. But next year for absolute certainly.
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As things stand now probably not. Being a small shop with ambitious development activity underway we're currently buried between developing our next gen products and keeping up with production. But next year for absolute certainly.
OK. You might want to convince yourself that RMAF would be used for R&D. Actually, I think you might be surprised how it could help you.
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Welcome to Audio Circle, Morten.
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Hi Morten:
Welcome to AC! Thanks for the phone time today. :thumb:
Regards,
Randy
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Thank you all for your welcomes, messages and calls. Very glad to be here and look forward to interesting times ahead. - Morten :thumb:
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Check out our September newsletter :thumb:. http://www.tortugaaudio.com/tortuga-audio-newsletter-september-2013/ (http://www.tortugaaudio.com/tortuga-audio-newsletter-september-2013/)
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Check out our September newsletter :thumb:. http://www.tortugaaudio.com/tortuga-audio-newsletter-september-2013/ (http://www.tortugaaudio.com/tortuga-audio-newsletter-september-2013/)
Nice job! :thumb:
So what's your background? Electronics or?? I went to your website and saw the pics of you but it really doesn't tell us about the guy behind the operation.
Care to share?
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So what's your background? Electronics or?? I went to your website and saw the pics of you but it really doesn't tell us about the guy behind the operation.
Care to share?
Ever the data hound @jtwrace! :wink: I'm a mechanical engineer who has always gravitated towards electronics, computers, software and audio even as my day-job took me in other directions. Early on I worked extensively with control systems in the aerospace sector which included some up close and personal time with cruise missiles, turbo-machinery and aircraft subsystems. I spent quite a bit of time in the energy industry that included engineering, business development, finance and senior management roles. A few years back I was CEO of a solar energy startup that eventually sold its project pipeline to a subsidiary of Sharp. Throughout my career I've continued to work on the side with audio and related technology. For the past few years audio has become my sole focus. I am at heart a hands-on engineer, music lover and life-long audio enthusiast. I'm doing what I'm really good at and have a passion for. On the personal side I have two daughters who are now 25 & 30. When I'm not working (which is all the time!) I play blues guitar and love getting out on the big wet. My idea of the perfect vacation is a week bareboat sailing in the Virgin Islands with my family and friends. Which unfortunately is incompatible with starting up and running a small business. This is starting to sound like an ad on match.com so I'm stopping right here. :lol:
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Fantastic thanks! :thumb:
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What about xovers , doing anything apart from the pre's ...?
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What about xovers , doing anything apart from the pre's ...?
If you're asking are we thinking of developing active cross-overs the answer is no.
If you're asking are we thinking of developing a multi-channel attenuator to handle bi-amped (2x2), tri-amped (2x3) stereo signals or generally multiple signals from multi-channel DACs then the answer is it's on our list but currently fairly far down the list.
Should it be a higher priority? You guys tell me.
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If you're asking are we thinking of developing active cross-overs the answer is no.
If you're asking are we thinking of developing a multi-channel attenuator to handle bi-amped (2x2), tri-amped (2x3) stereo signals or generally multiple signals from multi-channel DACs then the answer is it's on our list but currently fairly far down the list.
Should it be a higher priority? You guys tell me.
Yes, it should be a higher priority :thumb: But of course, I'm being selfish :thumb:
Best,
Anand.
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Yes, it should be a higher priority :thumb: But of course, I'm being selfish :thumb:
Best,
Anand.
+1
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Not sure how to pronounce Tortuga audio correctly. Tort-you-?
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Not sure how to pronounce Tortuga audio correctly. Tort-you-?
Tor (as in door) - 2 (as in two, to, too) - ga (as in Lady Gaga). Yes, that last reference was unfortunate. :wink:
Spanish for turtle. Named after my lifelong affinity for sea turtles and a fascination with the "Dry Tortugas" 70 miles west of Key West.
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Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in AudioCircle land!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=90581)
Cheers!
Morten
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Back at cha Morten :beer:
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you audio geeks out there! :thumb:
I take comfort knowing the world is a better place for having us all running around like lunatics trying to get the most out of our music. :lol:
Peace,
Morten
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=91872)
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Have a wonderful Happy New Year from Tortuga Audio. :thumb:
Our mascot Tortuga Ranger is quite ready to get the party started.
Meanwhile the rest of us are slaving over a hot soldering gun. :lol:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=92100)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=92279)
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I tried to do it on your site but for some reason I can't put items in the cart since I have a pre order item in it.
Can you tell me what the total cost of a DIY balanced unit with remote and numerical volume screen costs?
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I tried to do it on your site but for some reason I can't put items in the cart since I have a pre order item in it.
Can you tell me what the total cost of a DIY balanced unit with remote and numerical volume screen costs?
Yes, since the display module is in pre-release the ecommerce system we use doesn't allow mixing released with unreleased products in the same shopping cart. It makes sense technically but I get it that it's a PITA to get a bottom line price.
So here's the bottom line done old school.
$325 - balanced master/slave LDR3x
$ 50 - remote
$ 59 - single display module
$434 - total (includes shipping within US)
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Yes, since the display module is in pre-release the ecommerce system we use doesn't allow mixing released with unreleased products in the same shopping cart. It makes sense technically but I get it that it's a PITA to get a bottom line price.
So here's the bottom line done old school.
$325 - balanced master/slave LDR3x
$ 50 - remote
$ 59 - single display module
$434 - total (includes shipping within US)
Thanks. I nee to provide enclosure, jacks, wire and power supply. Yes? What voltage/amp rating PS?
Do you have any directions anywhere?
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Don't forget the encoder if you want it. :thumb:
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Thanks. I nee to provide enclosure, jacks, wire and power supply. Yes? What voltage/amp rating PS?
Do you have any directions anywhere?
A 12 VDC supply rated at 0.5 Amp will suffice. It can be a wallwart/switching or linear. Doesn't need to be regulated.
We are right now in the process of putting all available "how to" documentation online via our website. It's not complete yet but the section on the LDR3x should be finished in the next 24-48 hours. Going forward, all of our product documentation will be available this way.
The link is: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/documentation/ (http://www.tortugaaudio.com/documentation/)
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A 12 VDC supply rated at 0.5 Amp will suffice. It can be a wallwart/switching or linear. Doesn't need to be regulated.
We are right now in the process of putting all available "how to" documentation online via our website. It's not complete yet but the section on the LDR3x should be finished in the next 24-48 hours. Going forward, all of our product documentation will be available this way.
The link is: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/documentation/ (http://www.tortugaaudio.com/documentation/)
Gotcha. Simple enough.
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I must be famous! Or is it infamous? Or perhaps just mildly interesting?
Here's an interview article about me and Tortuga Audio recently published in audioXpress magazine.
Link to article: http://tinyurl.com/kvv7mkp
(http://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/audioXpress_march_2014.jpg)
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Better link: http://audioxpress.com/interviews/qa-engineer-takes-a-chance-on-start-up-audio-venture/
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Since spring is finally, reluctantly, grudgingly showing up, I thought it was time for a Spring 2014 newsletter.
Here's the link: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/tortuga-audio-newsletter-spring-2014/ (http://www.tortugaaudio.com/tortuga-audio-newsletter-spring-2014/)
A few announcements and updates. The big deal item is next week the LDR3x.V2 gets released! :thumb:
Cheers,
Morten
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Hi All! New to Audio Circle. Joined specifically for Tortuga Audio. Really interested in their take on passive preamps.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I listen to vinyl mostly, but do stream Tidal when not “actively” listening (e.g., reading, working, cooking, ...).
My current system includes:
Rega P8 with Ania cartridge
PS Audio Phono Preamp
PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp
Lumin T2 streamer
Cary Audio SA-200.2 ES Power Amp
Ohm Walsh 2000 speakers
The BHK Signature has been sent back for service (less than a year old), which got me exploring passive preamp options. I am currently using a rather inexpensive balanced passive preamps to allow me to listen to records while the BHK is out of commission. If a “low end” passive can sound this good in my system, I can only imagine how great the balanced Tortuga will sound.
Currently in the research stage, but knowing me I’ll be taking the plunge in the coming months. You gotta love this hobby of ours!
Happy listening!
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Hi All! New to Audio Circle. Joined specifically for Tortuga Audio. Really interested in their take on passive preamps.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I listen to vinyl mostly, but do stream Tidal when not “actively” listening (e.g., reading, working, cooking, ...).
My current system includes:
Rega P8 with Anita cartridge
PS Audio Phono Preamp
PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp
Lumin T2 streamer
Cary Audio SA-200.2 ES Power Amp
Ohm Walsh 2000 speakers
The BHK Signature has been sent back for service (less than a year old), which got me exploring passive preamp options. I am currently using a rather inexpensive balanced passive preamps to allow me to listen to records while the BHK is out of commission. If a “low end” passive can sound this good in my system, I can only imagine how great the balanced Tortuga will sound.
Currently in the research stage, but knowing me I’ll be taking the plunge in the coming months. You gotta love this hobby of ours!
Happy listening!
Hi Wrong,
Proving yet again that you can be right and still be Wrong.
Welcome to Tortuga Audio. :lol:
Cheers,
Morten
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Hi All! New to Audio Circle. Joined specifically for Tortuga Audio. Really interested in their take on passive preamps.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I listen to vinyl mostly, but do stream Tidal when not “actively” listening (e.g., reading, working, cooking, ...).
My current system includes:
Rega P8 with Anita cartridge
PS Audio Phono Preamp
PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp
Lumin T2 streamer
Cary Audio SA-200.2 ES Power Amp
Ohm Walsh 2000 speakers
The BHK Signature has been sent back for service (less than a year old), which got me exploring passive preamp options. I am currently using a rather inexpensive balanced passive preamps to allow me to listen to records while the BHK is out of commission. If a “low end” passive can sound this good in my system, I can only imagine how great the balanced Tortuga will sound.
With passive controllers, managing impedance is key. I checked the Cary site and the SA-200.2 ES amp has an input impedance of 22,000 ohms. That's on the low side. You may find that a Tortuga with a buffer stage (tube or solid state) is the best fit. The buffer stage provides a very low output impedance (~50 ohms) so driving the Cary would be easy.
I'm using a Tortuga LDRxB balanced (XLRs) passive controller to drive a quad of monoblock power amps in a biamplified speaker system. The mid/treble amps are directly connected to the LDRxB since they have a 100,000 ohm impedance. My solid state bass amps have an input impedance of 25,000 ohms (similar to your Cary). I use a Tortuga Tube Buffer between the LDRxB and a Tortuga LDR1B which is used for level matching the bass amps. Putting the tube buffer ahead of the bass amps made a big improvement not only with the bass, but the whole top to bottom range.
Tortuga's new LDR3000 preamp series will be coming out soon and will support both active and passive configurations. Sonically, from the first minutes of the Tortuga(s) being in my system, I've been amazed at their features and performance.
Best,
Robert
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Thanks for the suggestion and research you did. I am also considering swapping out the Cary power amp for a Prima Luna Evo 400 which has an impedance of 100k, so I should be good with the passive without the buffer, if I decide to go that route.
That said, you give me plenty to think about, which could potentially save me some money by not having to “upgrade” my power amp at this time. Leaving more money that can be spent on records!!! Thanks again!
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Thanks for admitting me to your forum. I have just ordered a Tortuga Audio LDR3000x.V3 High Performance Passive: XLR only version. I may need help as I find out that this passive preamp is software-driven and has user-replaceable components like LDRs.