[Eric Strasen]

There's probably not much I can say about the Transcendence T8+ preamp that hasn't already been said, but here goes.
The T8+ replaced an Adcom GFP-555 and temporarily is driving an Adcom GFA-555 -- soon to be replaced with a tube amp being custom built for me by a Canadian friend.
The Van Alstine preamp has all the inputs and controls I need and none that I don't. The optional RIAA phono stage has brought new life to my cartridges (Stanton 681EEE, Stanton 881S Stereohedron and Clearaudio Aurum Alpha).
The T8+ is whisper quiet and doesn't get in the way of the music.
And how refreshing it is to phone the company and find that you are talking with Frank!

[JerryM]

Sweet; congrats!! 

The T8+ is a super fine preamp, and it's always a pleasure speaking with Frank.

Have fun,

Jerry

[martyo]

   Use one myself.

[Devil Doc]

Me too.

Doc

[jackman]

That's a sweet preamp!  Frank is one of the good guys in this industry.  I have total respect for his products and the way he conducts his business.

Congratulations!

Jack

[Douger]

I'm also very happy with mine!

[pansixt]

Agree with all of the above. What a difference the T-8 will make with just about any system. With my AVA rebuilt tube amp it sounds amazing.
And we all know how great the support is.
Much happy listening Eric.
James

[CactusBob]

Congrats on your new preamp! I have been seriously considering one for my system. I'm running a Monarchy 25 watt Class A amp (which I really like) and a Yamaha C70 Preamp with a pair of Altec 19's. In the cooler months here in AZ I alternate between the Class A and a pair of Knight Mono-Blocks. Just out of curiosity how warm does the T8+ run? At first I considered an Insight+, but I figured a tube preamp would be better suited for my horns.

Bob

[Devil Doc]

Mine has been on all day and it's barely warm.

Doc

[Eric Strasen]

Congrats on your new preamp! I have been seriously considering one for my system. I'm running a Monarchy 25 watt Class A amp (which I really like) and a Yamaha C70 Preamp with a pair of Altec 19's. In the cooler months here in AZ I alternate between the Class A and a pair of Knight Mono-Blocks. Just out of curiosity how warm does the T8+ run? At first I considered an Insight+, but I figured a tube preamp would be better suited for my horns.
Bob

The T8+ runs a bit warmer than my Adcom (which is all SS). The T8+ and the rest of my audio gear is housed in an old CW oak cabinet, and I need to remove the back and enlarge the vent holes for better flow-through ventilation. Will do that as soon as the tube amp arrives so I can take care of everything on the same day.

Can't get over how great the phono stage sounds. Vastly superior to the Adcom's RIAA EQ.

[CactusBob]

The T8+ runs a bit warmer than my Adcom (which is all SS). The T8+ and the rest of my audio gear is housed in an old CW oak cabinet, and I need to remove the back and enlarge the vent holes for better flow-through ventilation. Will do that as soon as the tube amp arrives so I can take care of everything on the same day.

Can't get over how great the phono stage sounds. Vastly superior to the Adcom's RIAA EQ.

Cool! I mean warm 

Actually my SS Yamaha preamp runs hot so it might be pretty close to the T8+ in that respect. I plan getting it with the Phono Stage also.

Thanks for the info. I can't wait to get one now! Enjoy!

Bob

[Eric Strasen]

Cool! I mean warm 

Actually my SS Yamaha preamp runs hot so it might be pretty close to the T8+ in that respect. I plan getting it with the Phono Stage also.

Thanks for the info. I can't wait to get one now! Enjoy!

Bob

Bob,
Just for you-know-what and giggles, I also sprang for the remote control, which has two functions -- a mute button and a selector which increases or decreases volume.
The volume is not controlled electronically, which conceivably could introduce some sort of distortion. It is done mechanically, with a small motor attached to the pot.
It's kind of cool watching the volume control knob move when you use the remote.
The mute button comes in handy when you get yet another phone call from some dude wanting to help sell your time-share, even though you don't own a time-share.
Enjoy your AVA T8+!
Eric

[ricardojoa]

It's kind of cool watching the volume control knob move when you use the remote.

I cant believe you said that 

[Eric Strasen]

I cant believe you said that 

And I can't believe that I forked-out an extra $299 to watch the knob move, but I did.
An old fool and his money are soon parted, I guess.
But overall, this is the best preamplifier I have ever owned and is my second most favorite piece of gear, first being a Thorens TD-126 Mk. III.
Eric

[SJ David]

Congrats on your new preamp! I have been seriously considering one for my system. I'm running a Monarchy 25 watt Class A amp (which I really like) and a Yamaha C70 Preamp with a pair of Altec 19's. In the cooler months here in AZ I alternate between the Class A and a pair of Knight Mono-Blocks. Just out of curiosity how warm does the T8+ run? At first I considered an Insight+, but I figured a tube preamp would be better suited for my horns.

Bob

I replaced a NAD SS preamp running in Class A with a T8+. I always thought the NAD ran warm for a SS device, as configured. Still my old B&K 442 amp was a downright oven in comparison. The T8+ is a little warmer than the NAD SS. I can place my hand on the vents above the tubes and my hand senses "hot" only on the warmest days.

I have not heard the Insight+ but I really enjoy the T8+ with the horn systems I have (mid +high horn loaded). I have not experimented with power amps much. All SS, mostly my pair of ATI 1502s. The T8+ in this setup is very dynamic which compliments the quickness of the horn response oh so good.

[CactusBob]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the T8+. Now the hard part find some funds for it! 

Maybe AVA will have a half off sale or something soon. 

Bob,

It's kind of cool watching the volume control knob move when you use the remote.

Eric

It is cool! I have a Sony GX909ES Receiver that has that feature plus it has a real cool little red LED indicator built in the volume knob to show the volume level in darkness. I doubt that I'll spring for the remote on the T8+ though. The phono stage, yes.

[Eric Strasen]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the T8+. Now the hard part find some funds for it! 

Maybe AVA will have a half off sale or something soon.

A while back there was a used T8+ for sale on Audiogone. It went for something like $800 or $850, I think. Supposedly, it was less than a year old but at the time of sale it had been through two owners already. Which makes one wonder...
Eric

[Toka]

A while back there was a used T8+ for sale on Audiogone. It went for something like $800 or $850, I think. Supposedly, it was less than a year old but at the time of sale it had been through two owners already. Which makes one wonder...

That may have been the one I attempted to purchase (it was less than that, I think). It was "damaged in pre-shipping" (which based on the timeline I was given occurred before my payment arrived) so no preamp for me. At least I got my money back promptly. But yes, one does wonder...

[Eric Strasen]

That may have been the one I attempted to purchase (it was less than that, I think). It was "damaged in pre-shipping" (which based on the timeline I was given occurred before my payment arrived) so no preamp for me. At least I got my money back promptly. But yes, one does wonder...

The "damaged in pre-shipping" is a new excuse on me. My only purchase from Audiogon so far was a "lightly used" Clearaudio Aurum Alpha cartridge which turned out to be a good buy (but I still like my Stanton 881S more).
I have bought entirely too much stuff off eBay and finally got it through my thick skull that many sellers on the 'bay are idiots or crooks. Idiots and crooks with poor packing skills.
Is there a thread on AC where followers can relate eBay horror stories?