AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Tortuga Audio => Topic started by: tortugaranger on 20 May 2019, 04:14 pm
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Hi All,
After much flailing and gnashing of teeth the next Tortuga Audio product is coming out of hiding as it winds its way through the latter stages of development. This time I'm going to take a different approach insofar as I'm going to be sharing quite a lot of information early and often all the way up through release and early production. So get your popcorn out ... :popcorn:
For now I'll be referring to this preamp as our LDR Tube Preamp. The official product name may differ.
This preamp is the culmination of several years of work on both our LDR based attenuator/preamp controller used in our passive preamps plus our hybrid tube buffer. The LDR Tube Preamp combines the most current/updated versions of these into a single integrated LDR preamp/enclosure.
I'm unequivocal that this LDR attenuator/tube preamp marriage will sound outstanding because it already does sound outstanding as separate components linked together externally.
Here, in abbreviated form, are the highlights of this upcoming preamp:
1) LDR (light dependent resistor) based 100 step balanced attenuator - 60 dB range. Will probably use our existing V25 preamp controllers/attenuators but we'll move up to the V3 once it's available.
2) Unity gain hybrid preamp with a tube (6922 family) input stage and a discrete solid state JFET output buffer stage using an updated/improved version of our existing TPB.V1 tube preamp buffer
3) Flexible - handles both balanced (3) and single-ended (3) inputs in a single model so you don't have to choose between what signal type.
4) Rugged heavy-walled extruded aluminum casework/panels. Could probably run it over with a car and it would still keep going.
5) White on black 256x64 bit OLED graphical display for control located behind dark acrylic front panel lens - invisible when off.
6) Simple 7 button generic Apple remote
7) Powered via AC mains with toroidal transformer and linear supply into switching DC-DC regulated tube heater circuit and split voltage tube plate power circuit with very high PSRR
Eight) Approximate dimensions excluding knobs/jacks/feet etc. | 12 inch wide x 8 inch deep by 3 inch tall. Knob and jacks will probably add no more than 2 more inches to the depth. Feet will probably add no more than 1 inch to the height.
9) Unit weight will likely be somewhere in the 10-15 pound range.
I'm not going to speculate on an availability date yet because I've always been wrong in the past but you'll know when I know if you follow this thread. But I'm committed to getting this done as soon as we can. Also not going to discuss final price yet but early adopters signing up for pre-orders will secure a substantial discount.
The pics below are 3D CAD screenshots. Final appearance and physical details are subject to change but I doubt it will look much different than depicted here.
(https://cdn2.tortugaaudio.com/20190520112239/LDR3000_3D_frontside.jpg)
(https://cdn2.tortugaaudio.com/20190520112236/LDR3000_3D_front.jpg)
(https://cdn2.tortugaaudio.com/20190520112240/LDR3000_3D_rear.jpg)
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Looks like a great product.
Will this be true balanced in and out? And if so, will you be able to mix say, single ended in and balanced out?
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Damn it man! Now you are going to get rich with products like this and you'll forget all us little people. This new product is the way to go.
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Looks like a great product.
Will this be true balanced in and out? And if so, will you be able to mix say, single ended in and balanced out?
Yes....but.
Anything coming in balanced will be present on the RCA out but the RCA out will only carry one phase (pin #2) of the attenuated balanced signal.
Anything coming in on the RCA input will be present on the balanced output but ONLY on one phase (pin #2) of the balanced output.
Balanced inputs will be attenuated fully balanced meaning each phase signal is attenuated by itself (not converted to single ended first).
There's no bal->unbal or unbal->bal signal conversion in this preamp.
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Damn it man! Now you are going to get rich with products like this and you'll forget all us little people. This new product is the way to go.
Little chance of that happening but nice thought. :thumb:
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:popcorn:
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Here we have what is hopefully the final prototype of the updated tube preamp buffer board for the LDR Tube Preamp. Unlike the previous design currently still in use in our TPB.V1 Tube Preamp Buffer, this "V2" version packs everything into only a single board that is also smaller overall.
We've eliminated one transformer from the design so now there's only one toroidal transformer. The tube heater and the tube plate voltages are each generated by its own dedicated switch mode DC-DC regulator. The plate switching regulator is split voltage and is followed by a second split voltage linear stage which will also accommodates optional Belleson SuperRegulators on both the positive and negative rails. The overall plate voltage potential has been increased from +30 to 44 (+22/-22) volts (yes, it's THAT low!).
There are 4 separate circuits to handle the balanced stereo (2 phases per left/right sides). Each tube handles the +/- phases of the right and left channels. Each circuit has its own set of bypass caps for both power rails using high quality Vishay poly caps and Elna Silmac II silk electrolytics.
The V2 layout is designed to accommodate a wide array of high quality output coupling caps up to 1.25" in diameter and up to 2.5" in length. Enough room to handle most high end caps but probably not the biggest most costly available. We've standardized on V-Cap brand caps. Specifically their new line of oil damped advanced metalized (ODAM) audio caps which they will be announcing any day now and which we've been using pre-release versions of for some time now in our more recent V1 builds with really excellent results.
We'll probably know in about 2-3 weeks if this layout will be our final or not. If not, I'm confident it will only require some final parts realignment to arrive at the final/production PCB design. This is probably the 5th or 6th iteration on this V2 redesign and I've found that it usually takes that many iterations for most designs to get done. Which it were simpler/faster but there ya go.
Cheers,
Morten :thumb:
(https://cdn2.tortugaaudio.com/20190521093317/LDR3000_tubebufferboard_pcb.jpg.jpg)
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Morten, an excellent move. LDR and tubes oh my !!! Sell tons.
charles
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Today we ordered the next round of prototype boards for the LDR Tube Preamp. In about 2 weeks we should have a good sense of how close we are to completing the updated design of the tube board which includes the power supply except for the toroidal transformer itself which does not mount on the board. By the end of this week I expect we'll have the updated rear panel machined out so we can take the next step on the fit up of the IO board. We are telling ourselves that it's doable to have a fully functioning prototype in an unfinished enclosure by the end of June. Aggressive but doable. If we achieve that we should be able to hit a release date within the July/August timeframe. Much will depend on the outcome of testing when we get the new round of prototype boards back. Stay tuned!
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I've been looking for something like this to step up from my Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE preamp. Looking forward to your evaluation....it should be good!
Larry D.
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How is this product different than the LDR300.V25 Buffered Preamp that was recently discontinued?
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Feature request: balance control. Many of us older folks have hearing loss in one ear that throws the imaging out of whack. Also some of us have one speaker in a corner that throws off the balance.
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How is this product different than the LDR300.V25 Buffered Preamp that was recently discontinued?
The LDR300 employs a solid state buffer output stage. The LDR Tube Preamp uses almost an identical output stage but also employs a tube input/gain stage between the attenuator and buffer output. hence it's referred to as a hybrid tube/solid state preamp buffer. Some take exception to that terminology and want me to call that a linestage - toMAYto toMAUGHto. The gain is set by default at 1x (i.e. no gain).
In short, it uses a tube, while the LDR300 does not. Makes quite an overall difference in the performance - as in it sounds better with the tube.
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Feature request: balance control. Many of us older folks have hearing loss in one ear that throws the imaging out of whack. Also some of us have one speaker in a corner that throws off the balance.
Done! All of our preamp products already have balance control as a standard feature. :thumb:
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Great to hear it has balance control. What is its output impedence?
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6.14.19 Update
We've basically completed the design of the new tube/buffer board. Although I had high hopes for going with split voltage power supply I didn't like the performance as compared to prior single sided supply so after some quick mods to the board we tested it with +45 volts on the plate and it sounded quite sweet indeed. We also verified that there's no way around having to stay with our 50 VA shielded toroidal transformer which does make for a very tight cheek-to-jowl fit but so be it. I'd hoped to go with a slightly physically smaller transformer but dropping down to a smaller 25 VA will not cut it. Cheek-to-jowl it is.
Next week we plan on doing fit ups with the pcb/hardware in the new enclosure. That will allow us to settle on placement and dimensions of the input/output interface board using cardboard mock ups. If all goes well we're still on track to finalizing the tube/buffer/PS/enclosure/panels part of the design.
That leaves getting the new V3 preamp controller board over its final hump of development. Next week will tell the tale on where that stands. We've gone through a few iterations on a new LDR current control scheme and waiting to see if the new precision differential op amp closed loop current control scheme will behave well over the full range. Last iteration we got it work over 90% of the control range. All most there.
Once we have the new current control scheme nailed down there's a chunk of software work that remains. We are porting the software over to a bigger badder more powerful and more flexible software development tool chain that will give us new options for how to update firmware. We've already done the conversion work but need to do the fine turning on the new hardware. The interim plan is to be able to update the firmware by simply plugging a thumb drive into the USB port. Longer term the firmware update will be over the air via WiFi.
If we see ourselves bogging down with the V3 development we may make the call to release the new LDR tube preamp with our current V25 controller which has the advantage of being a great performer and highly stable at this point.
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Hi All,
Some news!!
* The new tube preamp is now officially named the LDR3000T.V25 Tube Preamp
* It's planned release date is Monday, September 16 or 2 months from the date of this posting.
* It is now available for pre-order at 30% off the base price. The pre-order discount drops to 20% in 30 days starting August 16 until the preamp is released.
* The base price of the preamp is $2995.
* The preamp can handle 3 inputs of any combination RCA/XLR so it's both a single-ended and balanced model for flexibility.
* The upgrade option is either VCAP ODAM (oil damped advanced metalized) coupling capacitors ($440 adder) or the ultimate VCAP CuTF (copper foil fluropolymer) coupling capacitors ($1088).
* More info on the LDR3000T can be found here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/ (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/)
We do not have actual product photos as yet so the images below are 3D CAD renderings. Still working through rough fit up process with unfinished enclosures that are not photogenic. No promises of when decent photos will be available.
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR3000_V25_Front.jpg)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR3000_V25_FrontSideFeet.jpg)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR3000_V25_FrontSideTop.jpg)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR3000_V25_RearSide2.jpg)
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Great to hear it has balance control. What is its output impedence?
Sorry I missed this question and for the delayed response. Nominally 100 ohms output impedance.
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How is this product different than the LDR300.V25 Buffered Preamp that was recently discontinued?
The LDR300 was a solid state unity gain preamp. The LDR3000T is a hybrid tube/solid state preamp with a zero/low gain stage (the tube) albeit set at unity gain (0 dB) by default. The presence of the tube makes all the difference. The LDR3000T is a combined single-ended and balanced preamp whereas the LDR300 was single-ended only.
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We just posted a brief background article on the LDR3000T.V25 Tube Preamp.
The preamp is now available for pre-order at 30% off the base price until August 15 at which point the discount drops to 20%.
The background article can be found here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp-release/ (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp-release/)
Product and pre-order info can be found here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/ (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/)
Cheers,
Morten :thumb:
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Just a brief update on LDR3000T development as we roll towards our Sept 15th release. Very busy the past week+. Here are the highlights.
1) Completed the CNC machining code and jigs for modifying our standard extruded aluminum enclosures into double-wide boxes.
2) Cut our first rear panel for fit-up
3) Completed mock-up and fit-up of rear panel input/output interface board
4) Confirmed alignment of both the V25 controller boards and the new tube buffer board within the casework and with the input/output interface board
5) Finalized layout of the new tube buffer board and ordered prototype PCBs
6) Finalized layout of input/output interface board and ordered prototype PCBs
7) Updated bill of materials
8) Completed CAD work on front panel - ready to order 1st set of blanks
As you can tell from the above we are now deep into finalizing and fine-tuning the enclosure layout and component fit-up. For once we didn't run into any egregious obstacles all last week and kept the swearing to a minimum. In about 2 weeks or I think we'll have our first fully assembled LDR3000T that we can live test as an assembly and not just as stand alone components on a test bench. Won't have pretty finished boxes and panels until later in August but that's typical. Probably order 1st set of panels by the end of this week. They won't be anodized yet though. Still have prep and machining to do before that. Busy busy!
Cheers,
Morten :thumb:
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Hi All,
Just a reminder that the LDR3000T Tube Preamp is currently available for pre-order at a substantial 30% discount off. That level of discount expires at the end of August 15th a week from now. After that the discount drops to 20% until its planned release date of Sept 16.
We are making great progress on finishing up development work. This model will be are most sophisticated engineered design to date. Which means we are putting way more time and effort into the finer points of the design and ease of assembly which should make for smoother production.
This is going to be a fabulous preamp!
More info including pre-order here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/product-category/active-preamps/ (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/product-category/active-preamps/)
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Hi all.
Before you place an order for your Tortuga LDR300T, I urge you to consider discussing with Morton the option of absolute polarity/phase inversion on your unit. I've been using a Tortuga LDRxB balanced controller for years now which includes that option.
When you have the capability of switching the setting from the listening position, the difference is easily identifiable. Since there is no consistency between various labels or recordings, the correct setting needs to be selected by ear. Fortunately, it only takes a second or two to check which polarity/phase setting is correct. The correct setting will, on well recorded & well mastered sources, have deeper, better articulated bass. The midrange will be better integrated. Soundstaging will be more focused with clearer placement of instruments. At the incorrect setting (for that recording) the upper midrange will sound a bit too forward or pronounced and the bass will be leaner & more rounded. These differences are consistent across recordings, though the correct setting varies depending on polarity/phase of the recording itself-- and they do vary.
Once you get used to having this capability, you won't want to be without it. You'll often be able to determine if a recording's polarity/phase setting needs to be reversed without even having to test the other setting. Sort of the equivalent of having absolute pitch-- absolute absolute phase detection.
The "Phase" status is indicated on the LDR display panel and can be selected using the remote. No special software version is needed. Note that this feature only is only available for Tortuga units supporting balanced inputs.
Happy listening,
Robert
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Hi all.
Before you place an order for your Tortuga LDR300T, I urge you to consider discussing with Morton the option of absolute polarity/phase inversion on your unit. I've been using a Tortuga LDRxB balanced controller for years now which includes that option.
When you have the capability of switching the setting from the listening position, the difference is easily identifiable. Since there is no consistency between various labels or recordings, the correct setting needs to be selected by ear. Fortunately, it only takes a second or two to check which polarity/phase setting is correct. The correct setting will, on well recorded & well mastered sources, have deeper, better articulated bass. The midrange will be better integrated. Soundstaging will be more focused with clearer placement of instruments. At the incorrect setting (for that recording) the upper midrange will sound a bit too forward or pronounced and the bass will be leaner & more rounded. These differences are consistent across recordings, though the correct setting varies depending on polarity/phase of the recording itself-- and they do vary.
Once you get used to having this capability, you won't want to be without it. You'll often be able to determine if a recording's polarity/phase setting needs to be reversed without even having to test the other setting. Sort of the equivalent of having absolute pitch-- absolute absolute phase detection.
The "Phase" status is indicated on the LDR display panel and can be selected using the remote. No special software version is needed. Note that this feature only is only available for Tortuga units supporting balanced inputs.
Happy listening,
Robert
I would add the following clarifications to Robert's note:
1) Phase reversal does not come enabled on stock units. We have to do some special wiring to enable this.
2) In order to enable the phase reversal feature on any of the 3 balanced inputs we have to "steal" one of the 3 unbalanced/RCA inputs. Hence if you wished to have phase reversal on XLR input #1, we would have to steal RCA input #4 (leaving 5 and 6 available).
Cheers,
Morten :thumb:
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Hi Morten,
Is this upgrade an added cost?
Thanks,
Gene
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Here's our first published pic of the internals of the LDR3000T. Sausage making at its finest.
Here we are doing some early live music listening tests with all the hardware bits plugged together. The LDR attenuator boards are near the top and the upside down tube buffer board is on the bottom. The toroidal power transformer is under the buffer board so it isn't visible. The display assembly is out of the frame to the right. Without a doubt this is one fine sounding preamplifier. We didn't get much work done the rest of the afternoon because we just kept playing music. My tech Andy said he got goosebumps!
At this point everything is done by way of development work with the exception of confirming the final cathode resistor values for 0 dB and +6 dB gain. The cathode resistors are going to be plug-in so you can flip them around to go from 0 dB to +6 dB. By having them plug-in it will also be simple to make up resistor modules with other values for different tubes/gains.
Also, please note that the main components are all plug-in modular. So if we come up with a better LDR preamp controller/attenuator, it's replaceable. Same for the tube/buffer board. Same for the display module. Cool beans.
Production circuit boards and enclosure front/rear panels are all on order. If we're not careful we might actually be ready to build and ship starting on the planned Sept 16th release date. :o
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR3000T_V25_BenchPic1_800px.jpg)
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Hi Morten,
Is this upgrade an added cost?
Thanks,
Gene
By upgrade I'm assuming you mean the phase reversal feature that KernelBob mentioned recently. At this point we do NOT plan to charge additional for this feature. The firmware work has already been done including the control interface. It does require some additional wiring during the assembly process but I'm not sure it's enough additional work to warrant a charge so we'll see how that goes. One remaining quandry is what to do about the RCA jack/input that gets stolen per each XLR input that has phase reversal. We'll probably just leave the jack installed but not connected. Ultimately that will allow for the phase reversal feature to be removed if so desired and the RCA input functionality to be restored.
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Yes, the phase reversal feature implementation is what I was asking about.
Thanks,
Gene
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Hi all,
If and when you get your Tortuga LDR3000T with the polarity/phase inversion option (or in the LDRxB for that matter), it will take a several weeks for it to reach its performance plateau as is common for any high-end unit. As the components and wiring settle in, the sound will improve in various ways. A key area is in low (and really low) bass frequencies.
In a concert hall, much of the sound that the ear/brain uses for spatial cues is in the lower frequencies. That deep bass is one area where the difference in the absolute polarity/phase selection is significant. Same for that upper midrange balance that I mentioned in my previous post.
So, out of the box, if you don't notice a clear difference when switching between absolute polarity/phase settings, be patient. Do exercise both the "normal" and "inverted" settings, since you'll need to exercise both signal paths.
Regards,
Robert
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Hi All,
August is ripping right along and Sept 16 will be here sooner than we think. The good news is we now have production circuit boards for everything and have started putting together sub-assemblies. The front and rear panels have been cut and are being shipped out to us today....here by the end of the week. That gives us roughly a week to custom machine the font panel blanks (which we do here ourselves) and to prep the rear panels before sending them out to get anodized. So at this point the front/rear panels remain the critical path but we expect to have them ready on time. Various parts are arriving daily and probably the only parts yet to order are the VCAP coupling capacitors which can be here within 2-3 days of placing an order.
As a reminder, the LDR3000T is officially our first integrated active LDR preamp that includes balanced LDR attenuation, a hybrid tube input/gain stage and a JFET output stage. It's core design is based around our proven 4th generation LDR.V25 preamp controller/attenuator and our second generation TPB.V2 tube preamp buffer which when combined in a tightly integrated package sound nothing short of fantastic.
The LDR3000T is now available for pre-order. Pre-order means you purchase and pay for it now but it doesn't ship until starting after September 16th. Orders will ship in the sequence they came in. We'll be ramping up production as we go along so we won't be shipping every unit ordered on day one. The 20% pre-order discount continues to run from now up until the scheduled Sept 16th release date.
More info on the LDR3000T can be found here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/ (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/)
Our biggest problem at the moment is we're not getting much work done because we're listening to a bench test unit playing various classic rock tunes and it's giving us goosebumps (yes, goosebumps!!). And that's through a crappy DAC, a crappy amp and cheap-ass speakers (we brutalize our bench audio gear so no high-end gear to be found for development/testing). And STILL it sounds awesome!!
In other news the US is reportedly having a heat wave in the 90's and everyone is complaining. To which we Floridians with our daily 90+ weather every single day for almost 6 months think....say what?
Stay cool bredren! :thumb:
Morten
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Hi All,
We now have literally 20 days left until the release of the LDR3000T.V25 Tube Preamp and at this point I see no reason why we can't hit the Sept 16th release date and start shipping that week.
The critical path is getting the front/rear panels prepped and anodized. We now have our first batch of raw panels in house and all the rear panels have already been prepped and are ready for anodizing. The front panels still need to be machined which we started yesterday.
One detail that we're still working through is which encoder make/model we're going to use. In addition to the model we've been using we've been evaluating 3 others. The 4th encoder model arrives tomorrow at which time we'll make a final decision. They all work the same electronically but it comes down to which one "feels right" and has the most robust build. Details details details. Depending on final choice we may have to tweak the front panel CNC machining so it's time to make a decision.
Once the front panels have been machined it takes roughly a 7 day turn around for anodizing. Once we have the anodized panels we'll be start final assembly. Meanwhile sub-assemblies are being made and last minute parts are being ordered and are arriving daily.
Also, as soon as we have our first fully assembled production build we'll be be sticking it in our light box and taking photos and posting them. I know you're interested in seeing the real thing as are we.
Someone recently got up in my grill because at least one of the electronic components we use was made in China. Yet we claim our equipment is made in the USA. Gotcha! Nonsense I say. It's literally impossible in today's world to source 100% of electronics from US manufacturers. That world no longer exists. What is possible is to source most, if not all, of your supplies from domestic suppliers, do all of your own coding, do much of your own machining, and do essentially all of your own assembly and shipping. That is what we do. We're about as made in the USA as you can get these days.
More info on the LDR3000T can be found here: [url]https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/[url]
Just a reminder that the 20% pre-order discount runs through Sept 15th. Get your order in early!!
Cheers,
Morten
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I see there's a choice between 6H30Pi tubes and 6922s. From what I know/read/have learned, they're not a direct substitution one for the other. So a unit designed to work on 6H30s may or may not work with 6922 tubes.
If I order a unit with 6H30Pi tubes, will I be able to SAFELY substitute 6922/6DJ8/7308/CCA tunes for the 6H30pi tubes?
Thanks.
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I see there's a choice between 6H30Pi tubes and 6922s. From what I know/read/have learned, they're not a direct substitution one for the other. So a unit designed to work on 6H30s may or may not work with 6922 tubes.
If I order a unit with 6H30Pi tubes, will I be able to SAFELY substitute 6922/6DJ8/7308/CCA tunes for the 6H30pi tubes?
Thanks.
Go with the 6922 tubes. There is no tube rolling with the 6h30's unless you want to pay hundreds for the rare NOS 6h30's. My BAT preamp uses 8 of them. They are not a warm and fuzzy tube. They are very neutral but they are very durable.
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I see there's a choice between 6H30Pi tubes and 6922s. From what I know/read/have learned, they're not a direct substitution one for the other. So a unit designed to work on 6H30s may or may not work with 6922 tubes.
If I order a unit with 6H30Pi tubes, will I be able to SAFELY substitute 6922/6DJ8/7308/CCA tunes for the 6H30pi tubes?
Thanks.
The LDR3000T is designed around the 6H30 which due to its relative high heater current requirement makes it possible to also use most any of the 6922 et al family of tubes which have much lower current requirements.
Said differently, the tube you choose when buying a LDR3000T does not alter the preamp design or model type.
The 6H30 is a very neutral tube whereas the 6922s et al tend to be warmer depending on specific model and brand. You have a huge selection of 6922 family brands including NOS but as was already pointed out by Greyhound Fan with 6H30 your choices are 2 current brands plus a very expensive NOS Russian military version.
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The 2 current brands of 6H30's are made in the same factory and are the same tube except one has gold pins. They are supposed to sound the same. I use the gold pins.
Lots of choices for the 6922 and its variants. I own a piece of gear that uses them and some are spectacular and others not so much.
It allows you to tailor the sound to your liking. Especially the NOS tubes.
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The LDR3000T is designed around the 6H30 which due to its relative high heater current requirement makes it possible to also use most any of the 6922 et al family of tubes which have much lower current requirements.
Said differently, the tube you choose when buying a LDR3000T does not alter the preamp design or model type.
The 6H30 is a very neutral tube whereas the 6922s et al tend to be warmer depending on specific model and brand. You have a huge selection of 6922 family brands including NOS but as was already pointed out by Greyhound Fan with 6H30 your choices are 2 current brands plus a very expensive NOS Russian military version.
I understand the choices for 6H30s and 6922s. I understand the sonic differences.
What I need to know is if I order the preamp with 6H30, will it then be safe to use 6922s in this preamp?
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What I need to know is if I order the preamp with 6H30, will it then be safe to use 6922s in this preamp?
YES!
By virtue of the fact that the 6H30 sets the bar quite high on the power supply current capacity, the entire 6922 family of tubes can be substituted safely because they draw far less current and are otherwise pin compatible.
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YES!
By virtue of the fact that the 6H30 sets the bar quite high on the power supply current capacity, the entire 6922 family of tubes can be substituted safely because they draw far less current and are otherwise pin compatible.
Thank you very much.
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Apologies in advance for three really dull questions but:
1. Are you still on schedule to start shipping on the 16th (now less than a fortnight).
2. Assuming you start shipping then, by very roughly when would you expect to ship, say, all the units you’ve sold up to now?
3. Are you able to say how tall the unit will be, great including tubes?
Cheers.
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Apologies in advance for three really dull questions but:
1. Are you still on schedule to start shipping on the 16th (now less than a fortnight).
2. Assuming you start shipping then, by very roughly when would you expect to ship, say, all the units you’ve sold up to now?
3. Are you able to say how tall the unit will be, great including tubes?
Cheers.
Start of Shipping: As things stand now we actually expect to begin shipping LDR3000Ts the week of Sept 16. It's going to be tight but we believe we'll be ready. Even if we slip a week or so that would be an all time record breaking accomplishment for us.
Time To Ship All Pre-Orders to date: Probably will take a couple of weeks to build, commission and ship the whole bunch but that's a very soft projection. We have sufficient parts and subsystems built already to handle the preorders we have so far so not expecting significant delays.
LDR3000T Height: Feet are 0.5 inch, enclosure is 3 inches (without tubes) and the taller 6H30 tubes project approximately 2.25 inches above the enclosure. Add that all up and figure on 5.75 inches but I'd recommend you plan on 6 inches to give yourself some margin.
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I though I replied to this saying thanks for the useful info and congrats, without jinxing it, on hitting your deadline. But I can’t see the post, so I’m saying it again. Cheers.
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Today we shipped off the first batch of front and rear panels to the anodizer. About a week turn around on those so we'll have them back just in time to finish the initial builds and start shipping after the planned Sept 16 release date. The reason we don't have finished product pics yet is because we've been waiting on these panels.
Here's a front panel right after machining the slot for the acrylic lens inlay and control knob. The next step is to flip the panel over and machine the pocket for the encoder and the OLED display (not shown).
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR300T_frontpanel_CNC.jpg)
First batch of panels ready to be boxed and shipped.
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR3000T_front_rear_panels_preanodizer.jpg)
The new Alps encoders arrived!
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/LDR3000T_ALPS_encoders.jpg)
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I understand the choices for 6H30s and 6922s. I understand the sonic differences.
What I need to know is if I order the preamp with 6H30, will it then be safe to use 6922s in this preamp?
I've had the tube buffer for I guess two years. Started with the stock tube, went to the Gold Lion, nice improvement, I thought, but now use the even better Telefunken Black Diamond E88CC-TK.
https://www.tubedepot.com/products/telefunken-black-diamond-e88cc-6922
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=198397)
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I've had the tube buffer for I guess two years. Started with the stock tube, went to the Gold Lion, nice improvement, I thought, but now use the even better Telefunken Black Diamond E88CC-TK.
https://www.tubedepot.com/products/telefunken-black-diamond-e88cc-6922 (https://www.tubedepot.com/products/telefunken-black-diamond-e88cc-6922)
Thanks for that feedback Randy. I recall you mentioning the telefunkens. Now you've got me curious so I'll probably have to give those black diamonds a try as well. At $108 a pair it's hard not to.
Addendum: I looked into these tubes and while in no way suggesting Randy's experience with these tubes was anything other than positive as he stated, these are strictly not Telefunken tubes since Telefunken ceased operations in 1967 and this is a current production tube. Apparently JJ Electronic (Slovak Republic) has branded these as Telefunken. They use some version of their own JJ design and then put them through a burn-in and cryo treatment process and slap the Telefunken Black Diamond brand on them. So apparently they are current JJ production valves disguised as Telefunkens but hey, they either sound good or they don't.
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Thanks for that feedback Randy. I recall you mentioning the telefunkens. Now you've got me curious so I'll probably have to give those black diamonds a try as well. At $108 a pair it's hard not to.
Addendum: I looked into these tubes and while in no way suggesting Randy's experience with these tubes was anything other than positive as he stated, these are strictly not Telefunken tubes since Telefunken ceased operations in 1967 and this is a current production tube. Apparently JJ Electronic (Slovak Republic) has branded these as Telefunken. They use some version of their own JJ design and then put them through a burn-in and cryo treatment process and slap the Telefunken Black Diamond brand on them. So apparently they are current JJ production valves disguised as Telefunkens but hey, they either sound good or they don't.
Morten, two things I also like about them, not sonics related, however. They are shorter and don't stick up as high as the Electro Harmonix or Gold Lions, so look less funky, imo. They also don't run nearly as hot as the other two, so you don't risk scorching your hand reaching behind for the power switch if you brush them going by. Both things, as I said, are obviously irrelevant regarding the sound.
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We remain on track to build and ship our first LDR3000T Tube Preamp starting next week. The critical path remains receipt of our first batch of front/rear panels from our anodizer which should be on their way today or tomorrow. Meanwhile we still have a bit of work to do finalizing the updated V25 firmware. The firmware changes are mostly related to refining the integration between the main V25 controller and a small satellite controller on the tube/buffer board.
In related news, we are pleased to announce that 6Moons.com has agreed to review the LDR3000T. Terry London will be handling the review for 6Moons. Terry will get started as soon we get one built and shipped off to him.
With a little luck we will have some initial product photos posted next week.
For those waiting until the last minute to place an order for an LDR3000T, the 20% pre-order discount expires at midnight this Sunday, September 15.
More info on the LDR3000T can be found here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/ (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/)
Cheers,
Morten
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Good news! The first batch of front/rear panels have arrived from the anodizer. So we remain on track for release and start shipping the LDR3000T next week.
The 20% pre-order discount runs through this weekend and expires on Monday Sept 16. Time's running out. More info on the LDR3000T here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/ (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/front_rear_panels_anodized_800px.jpg)
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Great to get the email today saying it's being built.
Congrats on hitting the deadline. I didn't think that ever happened in manufacturing a new product (not you I mean, anyone). :)
How's it all going?
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Great to get the email today saying it's being built.
Congrats on hitting the deadline. I didn't think that ever happened in manufacturing a new product (not you I mean, anyone). :)
How's it all going?
It's a new record for us for sure. We've been working on subassemblies for a few weeks now but now we're finally putting whole units together and will start shipping before the week is out. Birthing new products is always a scramble and this has been no exception.
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As we ramp up production of the LDR3000T Tube Preamp we'll be posting pics of various subassemblies plus of course the finished product. Here's a couple shots of both the front and back side of the rear panel before we attach it to the input/output interface circuit board which we'll probably add here when we have a pic of that.
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_rear_panel_1-e1568759081708.jpg)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_rear_panel_backside-e1568759051548.jpg)
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Here is a finished rear panel assembly shown with and without the I/O interface board in place. Once the rear panel assembly is ready it's time to plug in the tube board and the 2 V25 preamp controller/attenuator boards and insert the entire assembly into the case.
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_rear_panel_backside_2.jpg)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_rear_panel_backside-e1568759051548.jpg)
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Hi guys
I recently came across the name of this amp a couple of days of ago when I was looking for preamps. I have a psaudio ds dac and psaudio m700 monoblocks. I was thinking of introducing a preamp. Was looking at the Schiit Freya + preamp but it’s out of stick indefinitely as they are out of parts. Any one has tortugas active preamp? Any real pics of the unit? I emailed the support group a couple of days ago but no response. Any thoughts on this preamp would fit my setup? Is the amp out yet and/or the activ preamp still eligible for the discount posted above?
Thanks in advance for your inputs
Meyy
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Hi guys
I recently came across the name of this amp a couple of days of ago when I was looking for preamps. I have a psaudio ds dac and psaudio m700 monoblocks. I was thinking of introducing a preamp. Was looking at the Schiit Freya + preamp but it’s out of stick indefinitely as they are out of parts. Any one has tortugas active preamp? Any real pics of the unit? I emailed the support group a couple of days ago but no response. Any thoughts on this preamp would fit my setup? Is the amp out yet and/or the activ preamp still eligible for the discount posted above?
Thanks in advance for your inputs
Meyy
Hi Meyy,
Yes, the preamp is now in production and we have started shipping pre-orders. Contact me via PM or email (morten@tortugaaudio.com) regarding discount which expired a week ago today.
Cheers,
Morten
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Here we have the new TPB.V2 Tube/Buffer Board for the LDR3000T loaded up with 4 channels of optional VCAP CuTF reference grade copper/teflon coupling caps. Makes for one sweet sounding tube preamp. :thumb:
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_tube_board.jpg)
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Great stuff.
So are you actually shipping now? How many have you made so far?
And when can we see a full picture of the whole thing?
Nice work. :)
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Great stuff.
So are you actually shipping now? How many have you made so far?
And when can we see a full picture of the whole thing?
Nice work. :)
Yes, actually shipping albeit at a slow rate as we ramp up. As is always the case with new products with embedded controllers we continue to tweak the firmware as we go along but that will soon stop given that we're using an otherwise mature V25 controller/attenuator with this model.
I expect to post finished product pics later today. Was all set to do so yesterday but our SLR camera's white balance was way off so we have to reshoot them today.
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Lovely stuff. Congrats. Look forward to the pics. :)
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In that case, thinking of it, has anybody here actually received one yet?
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In that case, thinking of it, has anybody here actually received one yet?
Not possible. Shipments in transit.
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First round of product pics. Shown with 6922 tubes. :thumb:
https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/ (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000t-v25-tube-preamp/)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_front_quarter_right.jpg)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_right_side.jpg)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_rear.jpg)
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr300t_rear_quarter_right.jpg)
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:thumb:
Looks great. I really do like the look.
Visual triumph.
If it sound as good, as I'm sure it will, you must surely be onto a winner.
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I often get questions on whether the cost of upgrading to higher quality output coupling caps is worth the money. Our stock caps are decent commercial grade high quality metalized polypropylene caps which do a fine job. But we offer options to upgrade these to VCAP ODAMs (oil damped advanced metalized polyprop) for $440 more and then there's the VCAP CuTF copper teflon caps for a whopping $1024 adder.
I just spent some time listening to one our production LDR3000T Tube Preamps with the CuTF upgrade. Physically these are heavy because there's so much copper foil in them that they feel like a roll of quarters in your hand. For this reason we chose to tie each one down with its own substantial tie-wrap.
One way to describe the benefit of these big heavy caps is they're like driving a Lexus.There's no mistaking the bigger, better, smoother, tighter and more solid ride of Lexus car. Is it worth the $ 20-30k premium? That always comes down to a personal judgment but there's no mistaking that you're in a better car. That's what listening to this preamp is like with the VCAP copper teflon output caps. Everything just sounds better, more real, more present, more involving. The mids and highs are especially more alive and natural.
Whether you're looking for that last bit of performance or simply believe that big, heavy and expensive is better, these VCAP CuTF do not disappoint. Wow! :thumb:
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/ldr3000t_tube_board.jpg)
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They even look good. :)
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Update on shipping initial orders for the LDR3000T. We've shipped about half of the initial orders. Typical of initial production things moved slow initially as we worked out the kinks in the production process. That phase is behind us now. At this point I expect to have the balance of existing initial orders fulfilled by this time next week.
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Has anyone received their new LDR3000T.V25 Preamp? Initial impressions? Pictures? :D
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I received mine 2 days ago. Will install in my system tomorrow.
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Dear Konut - You mean you did not call in sick so you could play with it immediately? We may have to revoke your AudioCircle membership. :D
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I gotta keep working to pay for this kitchen remodel which has gone waaaaaay over budget.
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Just a short post to inform that the 3000T is up, running, and sounding great. The slight hum I had with the original Tortuga is gone, although that might be due to the visit I had from the cable company yesterday informing me that there was interference originating from my home. Upon inspection there was paint inside my cable connecting to the cable box. The connector was replaced. He also took off my Jensen isolation transformer. When I fired up the 3000T there was a loud hum. The Jensen went back in and the hum was gone. Now just glorious dead silence even at max volume. The remote is going to take some practice for me to master. I keep the V25 - OLED Display Controls web page handy to aid me .
https://www.tortugaaudio.com/support/product-documentation/?section=oled-v25-control-menu
As I become more familiar with the adjustments and audition more, I will post a more detailed review.
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Just a short post to inform that the 3000T is up, running, and sounding great. The slight hum I had with the original Tortuga is gone, although that might be due to the visit I had from the cable company yesterday informing me that there was interference originating from my home. Upon inspection there was paint inside my cable connecting to the cable box. The connector was replaced. He also took off my Jensen isolation transformer. When I fired up the 3000T there was a loud hum. The Jensen went back in and the hum was gone. Now just glorious dead silence even at max volume. The remote is going to take some practice for me to master. I keep the V25 - OLED Display Controls web page handy to aid me .
https://www.tortugaaudio.com/support/product-documentation/?section=oled-v25-control-menu (https://www.tortugaaudio.com/support/product-documentation/?section=oled-v25-control-menu)
As I become more familiar with the adjustments and audition more, I will post a more detailed review.
Cable/Hum/Jensen - I had a similar problem when I had my TV audio tied into my main audio system. The cable grounding was not done properly at the cable box outside the house so there was a significant ground loop between main house power ground/earth and the cable ground. Like you, a Jensen isolation transformer solved that problem.
VCAP/ODAM Cap Break-in - Figure on it taking roughly 2 weeks to get those VCAP/ODAM caps to break in although they sound pretty darn good right out of the box.
Controls/Input-Switching - By default the controls are set up to allow the left/right buttons on the remote to adjust left/right channel balance. However, you can easily change this by scrolling down to the menu item "Vol Display" (to change the default Volume Display options) and select "Input" instead of the default "Balance". Once you've selected "Input" you can then use the left/right buttons to change input instead of balance. To change balance you now have a new menu item called Balance whereas the old default menu item Input is no longer active. This is part of the dynamic menu structure for the OLED display. It probably sounds confusing reading this but once you've tried it and figured it out it's actually quite intuitive.
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Update on shipping initial orders for the LDR3000T. We've shipped about half of the initial orders. Typical of initial production things moved slow initially as we worked out the kinks in the production process. That phase is behind us now. At this point I expect to have the balance of existing initial orders fulfilled by this time next week.
So did you manage to ship all the initial orders by the end of last week in the end?
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So did you manage to ship all the initial orders by the end of last week in the end?
Almost. A few to go yet. This week for sure. We're trying to be extra careful to make sure everything is just right before releasing each build. New production ramp-up ALWAYS takes longer than planned. One day I hope to prove that statement wrong. :thumb:
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Almost. A few to go yet. This week for sure. We're trying to be extra careful to make sure everything is just right before releasing each build. New production ramp-up ALWAYS takes longer than planned. One day I hope to prove that statement wrong. :thumb:
Well to be fair you started shipping the week you said you were aiming for, and I don't believe you ever put a firm date on how long it would then take you to get them all out. So I think it fair to say you did hit your target. :)
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Just another short update. I am enjoying the 3000T. Pretty much just letting it break in before exploring the impedance options and doing any really critical listening. Getting used to the interface which, so far, have not had any issues with.
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Had a chance to compare 3 tubes. On the left is our standard 6H30 monsters - built like tanks. In the center is a "Telefunken" Black Diamond ECC88/6922, and on the right is a JJ ECC88/6922. These retail for roughly $36, $54 and $28 each.
A close visual inspection confirms that the Telefunken and JJ tubes are essentially identical. I could not find a single physical feature internally that was not exactly the same between them. Small surprise since JJ makes the Black Diamonds. The Black Diamonds do have gold pins but I noticed that after just one insertion/play that the gold on the Black Diamonds was tarnished relative to the 6H30's which have been in/out of sockets dozens of times over a 2 year period and are still... well....golden.
I will say the Telefunkens sounded awesome. Very smooth and organic - what I usually associate with that "vinyl sound" that vinyl lovers love. I tried the JJ's as well and if there's a difference between the plain JJ's and and the JJ's disguised as Telefunkens I couldn't tell but this was not an exhaustive audition. Just a few tracks played ad hoc between building/testing LDR3000T's.
I'd say that if the 6H30's prove to be bit too neutral for your taste, the Telefunken's will lush things up nicely, perhaps better even than the Genalex Gold Lions.
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/6H30_vs_6922.jpg)
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I will say the Telefunkens sounded awesome. Very smooth and organic - what I usually associate with that "vinyl sound" that vinyl lovers love. I tried the JJ's as well and if there's a difference between the plain JJ's and and the JJ's disguised as Telefunkens I couldn't tell but this was not an exhaustive audition. Just a few tracks played ad hoc between building/testing LDR3000T's.
I'd say that if the 6H30's prove to be bit too neutral for your taste, the Telefunken's will lush things up nicely, perhaps better even than the Genalex Gold Lions.
(https://www.tortugaaudio.com/images/6H30_vs_6922.jpg)
Morten, glad to see you confirm what I thought about the "Telefunken" tube.
Randy
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Another short update. Due to the ongoing kitchen remodel, and other projects(I helped put together a sauna yesterday), I have not done any "critical" listening. My listening room is also my living room, which is also the 'staging area' for items going into the kitchen remodel. As I've moved items in and out and around the room, the balance control has shown itself to be highly effective. For instance, there was a roll of cork underlayment to the left of the left speaker which addressed the asymmetry(on one side is a doorway to the kitchen, on the other is a window with velour drapery) of the listening room, allowing the the balance to be perfectly centered. Without it there the highly granular control of the 3000Ts allows precise adjustment.
My casual listening has been either online radio( Radio Swiss Jazz) or FM tuner. I'm getting more texture of instruments and longer reverb and echo tails than with the original Tortuga. Good recording sound spectacular and less well recorded material laid bare. I'm also getting a sense of smoothness reminiscent of the solid state McIntosh amplifier I used to own. All for now.
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Received a nice note from new customer with extensive hi-end audio experience regarding the LDR3000T.
"...after only four days of hands-on experience, your preamp is definitely the cleanest, clearest, and purest that I have ever owned. Thanks for your work.."
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I don't have "extensive hi-end audio experience" but I would echo that comment.
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Extensive high end experience, which caps, ext. are installed?
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Extensive high end experience, which caps, ext. are installed?
The VCAP copper teflons. While pricey I have to admit these really impressed me personally.
He's done professional work with ....
AKG · Argento · Audio Engine · Audio Magic · Audio Pro · Audiovector · Becker · Bertram Cables · Bow Technologies · Cambridge Audio · Cerwin Vega · DALI · Dynaudio · Gato Audio · Gryphon Audio Designs · Harman Kardon · Infinity · Jabra · Jamo · JBL · Klipsch · Lisn Audio · Loewe · Marantz · Miller & Kreisel · Monster Cable · NAD · Olive · Ortofon · Peerless ·Primare · Steinway-Lyngdorf • Tact · TC Electronic · Tempel Audio · Tivoli Audio · Vifa ·ZenSati Cables.
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In my case, I have the VCAP ODAM oil damped advanced metalized with stock Electro-Harmonix 6H30Pi Gold.
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In my case, I have the VCAP ODAM oil damped advanced metalized with stock Electro-Harmonix 6H30Pi Gold.
The most interesting alternative tube to the 6H30 that I've tried to date is the Telefunken Black Diamond 6922 - around $104 a pair. Probably my favorite so far.
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Just got mine today at last. It took a while to finally get to the UK, then Customs kept it for two and half weeks, during which time they wrote me two letters about it. Actual letters. Who does that these days for this sort of thing? It's Dickensian. (And they stung me for $500 tax; not excise, UK sales tax. Win some you lose some.)
Worth it in this case though, for sure. I had been wondering whether I'd spent too much money on a preamp. More than I've spent on one before. Indeed I buy 10x more vintage audio gear than I do new anyway. And how much difference does a pre-amp really make, I started to think.
It's also the first new valve amp I've bought. I've got early Quad II monoblocks (who doesn't at some point or other over here?), but my contemporary amps are all SS. The LDR3000T is currently between English solid state either side: Sugden masterclass phono stage and Nord hypex nc500 dual mono power amp.
The difference it makes to the sound is astonishing. I echo what others have said: clarity, purity, soundstage. But I particularly agree with "clean". It's really unbelievably clean. And natural. Very very natural sound.
And the one thing that I don't think others have mentioned but which is really striking in my system is the bass. Huge extra bass depth and slam, to the extent that I'm almost not sure if it's too much. This is going into Neat SX1 speakers, quite a small floorstander which is not particularly bassy (I love them, but they're quite restrained), at relatively low volumes in a small room.
Anyway, I'm incredibly impressed. I would recommend this amp to anyone. And in the middle of an avowedly neutral SS system (and to "neutralist/naturalist" English ears), I think the little bit of valvery works incredibly well. There's an English word I don't think Americans use: gobsmacked. I am truly gobsmacked by this amp.
Bravo, Morten and pals, and thank you.
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Just got mine today at last. It took a while to finally get to the UK, then Customs kept it for two and half weeks, during which time they wrote me two letters about it. Actual letters. Who does that these days for this sort of thing? It's Dickensian. (And they stung me for $500 tax; not excise, UK sales tax. Win some you lose some.)
Worth it in this case though, for sure. I had been wondering whether I'd spent too much money on a preamp. More than I've spent on one before. Indeed I buy 10x more vintage audio gear than I do new anyway. And how much difference does a pre-amp really make, I started to think.
It's also the first new valve amp I've bought. I've got early Quad II monoblocks (who doesn't at some point or other over here?), but my contemporary amps are all SS. The LDR3000T is currently between English solid state either side: Sugden masterclass phono stage and Nord hypex nc500 dual mono power amp.
The difference it makes to the sound is astonishing. I echo what others have said: clarity, purity, soundstage. But I particularly agree with "clean". It's really unbelievably clean. And natural. Very very natural sound.
And the one thing that I don't think others have mentioned but which is really striking in my system is the bass. Huge extra bass depth and slam, to the extent that I'm almost not sure if it's too much. This is going into Neat SX1 speakers, quite a small floorstander which is not particularly bassy (I love them, but they're quite restrained), at relatively low volumes in a small room.
Anyway, I'm incredibly impressed. I would recommend this amp to anyone. And in the middle of an avowedly neutral SS system (and to "neutralist/naturalist" English ears), I think the little bit of valvery works incredibly well. There's an English word I don't think Americans use: gobsmacked. I am truly gobsmacked by this amp.
Bravo, Morten and pals, and thank you.
Thanks for your feedback and positive comments. It's reassuring that the impressions of others to this preamp are consistent with our own reactions to it. So we weren't just imagining it!!! :thumb:
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No you weren't imagining it. The only crazy here is crazy good.
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Here's a note recently received from a customer via email with permission to publish.
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An Amateur's Review of the Tortuga LDR3000T Audio Preamp
I consider myself a “budget” audiophile. As much as I would like, I will never be able to afford four figure amps and/or speakers. Therefore I try to find the best value equipment and slowly build from there. Currently my system consists of a PS Audio DirectStream Junior with Burson differential monoblock amps into Vandersteen 2Ce Speakers. A very accurate (I think) system. Perhaps a bit harsh and revealing but still very musical.
There was a certain synergy which occurred when I paired the Tortuga’s LDRxB with my PS Audio DS Junior. It was not a startling revelation or musical revolution. But it felt “right”. The DSJr is a quite capable machine when directly coupled to my mono blocks, producing detailed and amazing sound. Adding the Tortuga passive preamp simply made it more musical and more comfortable without adding a signature of its own.
However, with the addition of the LDR3000T my system has gained a new level of musicality. The same synergy exists as before but the music has a more solid foundation with a tighter punch. This is somehow allowing the mids to reveal more clarity and detail. The upper harmonics of the stand up bass in Miles Davis “Stand Up Blues” are clearer and more vivid than before. The detail in Diana Krall’s voice in “Live In Paris” is a new treat. I can now hear the acoustics of the room she is in (is that good or bad, I am not sure). Track after track in my library are revealing new delight and even a few surprises.
The interface is easy and intelligent allowing one to quickly navigate the options or get into the nitty-gritty details as one desires. The appearance is that of a small black tank. Solid and compact with a certain elegance.
Morten and the Tortuga crew has outdone themselves this time (again) and produced a high value preamp for budget minded audiophiles. If you don’t believe me then try it out for yourself. They offer a 30 day in home demo. If you are not overwhelmed by this kit then send it back for a full refund. But I think you won’t...
Jeff Fehlman
Jeju, South Korea