I want a Pre from Frank...Comparo, pls?.

murf · « **on:** 28 Jan 2013, 08:18 pm »

That Transcendence 8+ looks soo nice, but how does it compare to the cheaper Insight+ (SL or EC)? The only other brand I'm looking at is C**y, but that would have to be used as opposed to a new Frank pre.

Murf

PS: Unfortunately, that Avastar Hybrid Preamplifier in the used section is gone. I think it would have been a steal...and would have complimented my fetvalve 400r very well!!!!

Devil Doc · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Jan 2013, 08:28 pm »

I own a T-8+, so I'm biased. You might want to read Dick Olsher's review in TAS, where he says the T-8+ competes with pre-amps costing much more, especially with NOS RCA clear top tubes.

Doc

murf · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Jan 2013, 09:05 pm »

Thanks Devil,

Just read both of the reviews, the 2008 T8 & the '12 T8+. The T8+ review complimented it big time ("one of those rare products that genuinely transcends it's price....").

Murf

avahifi · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Jan 2013, 09:36 pm »

The Transcendence 8+ is our best selling preamplifier and we never get one back under our satisfaction guarantee.

We can build you a new one in three weeks right now.

Frank

murf · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Jan 2013, 10:31 pm »

The thing holding me back is how to integrate this pre into my system, which also does HT duties. I really don't understand the 'HT bypass' stuff well, but have seen it advertised, so it must be necessary!
How could I wire the T8 into my HT system?

Murf

tipatina · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Jan 2013, 12:57 am »

Don't know about the HT bypass but this is a common thing for integration into HT systems. I recently took delivery of a T8+ for my 2 channel system. It replaced a SS piece from a well regarded quality company and after a few hours listening (traditonal and modern jazz/classical) I am very pleased quality of the sound. The thing is a joy to hear. Was also very pleasantly suprised at the quality of the relatively inexpensive phono option. It was inexpensive enough to take a chance on and now it allows me to replace another separate component and some cables thus cleanig up my setup somewhat. Good luck with your search.

murf · « **Reply #6 on:** 29 Jan 2013, 01:42 am »

I guess the easiest way for my setup would be a switchbox, with two RCA pairs in to take the main speaker outs (one from the pre (T8+), and one from the pre/pro (Cary cinema 6)), and one pair of RCA plugs out to the amp. Did I explain that well?
Would the switchbox with connectors, and the extra RCA cable, degrade my sound?

Murf

avahifi · « **Reply #7 on:** 29 Jan 2013, 02:23 am »

The HT Bypass, a $50 option on any new AVA preamp, is really simple to understand and use.

The bypass just switches whatever input source is selected directly to the output jacks, bypassing all controls and the line stage.

So you would connect the left and right main audio outputs from your HT processor to any set of line inputs on the T8+ for example, (there are six pairs of line inputs, tape inputs, tape outputs, and two sets of parallel line outputs).

Then in the normal position, the T8+ volume and balance controls and line circuits would command the system and drive the associated power amplifier. In the bypass mode, the HT processor would directly drive the power amp straight through the preamp and control the volume. No need for doubling up on cables or an external switchbox. No need to even have the preamp turned on to use the bypass mode, unless you have the unity gain buffered tape option, which is in circuit for the HT Bypass mode too if installed.

Call me at 651-330-9871 if you need more help with your HT setup.

Frank Van Alstine

murf · « **Reply #8 on:** 29 Jan 2013, 02:49 am »

Now we're cooking with gas!
I'll call you tomorrow (or Wed), Frank.

Thanks, Murf

SJ David · « **Reply #9 on:** 29 Jan 2013, 05:19 am »

Quote from: murf on 28 Jan 2013, 09:05 pm

Thanks Devil,

Just read both of the reviews, the 2008 T8 & the '12 T8+. The T8+ review complimented it big time ("one of those rare products that genuinely transcends it's price....").

Murf

I have been enjoying mine for a couple of months now. Some of the things Dick mentions I agree with completely. Have not tried swapping tubes, though. Not in too much of a hurry to mess with a good thing. Also, haven't compared the phono stage as yet. But as far as sounstage, image focus and dynamics, hell yes.

David

barnestn · « **Reply #10 on:** 29 Jan 2013, 03:01 pm »

"The bypass just switches whatever input source is selected directly to the output jacks, bypassing all controls and the line stage."

Frank, can the HT Bypass be wired to the front selector switch, or do you only mount the switch on the back of preamp?
Thanks.

avahifi · « **Reply #11 on:** 29 Jan 2013, 07:12 pm »

We actually thought about providing the HT Bypass function as a front panel push-button switch until we realized that it can also be used as a speaker destruct button!

In normal use, the volume control is actually setting the gain of the preamp far below the normal gain supplied by sources. It is essentially turning down the volume, not turning up the volume.

If a user decided to "lets see what this button does" and pushes in the HT Bypass button while a normal audio source is playing in the normal mode, the user then finds out just how LOUD the sound output is when the volume control is bypassed. I did that myself.

Luckily, with very rugged Salk HT3 speakers no damage was done, but it sure scared the cat!

We decided to make this a back panel function so that it would be used only when needed and not accidentally. In the bypass mode, the HT processor supplies the signal and controls its level, and we assume that will be used sensibly.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

murf · « **Reply #12 on:** 30 Jan 2013, 10:27 pm »

OK you Muggs,
No ordering from Frank for a while.

I just ordered my T8+ and don't want him disturbed so he can get crackin' on it. 30 days wait....

Murf

charmerci · « **Reply #13 on:** 30 Jan 2013, 11:01 pm »

Quote from: murf on 30 Jan 2013, 10:27 pm

OK you Muggs,
No ordering from Frank for a while.
I just ordered my T8+ and don't want him disturbed so he can get crackin' on it. 30 days wait....

Murf

Cool.

Btw, who's Muggs?

dlparker · « **Reply #14 on:** 30 Jan 2013, 11:48 pm »

Quote from: charmerci on 30 Jan 2013, 11:01 pm

Cool.

Btw, who's Muggs?

Do I detect a "Touch of Grey" here? References to Edward G. Robinson, perhaps?

murf · « **Reply #15 on:** 31 Jan 2013, 01:03 am »

Yo,
I means, all of yous Muggs. Got a problem wit dat?
And don't ask Frank any more stupid innernet questions. He has a T8+ to build for me.

Murf

murf · « **Reply #16 on:** 31 Jan 2013, 09:16 pm »

Quote from: dlparker on 30 Jan 2013, 11:48 pm

Do I detect a "Touch of Grey" here? References to Edward G. Robinson, perhaps?

Way back, probably before anyone here except Frank was born

, my Boy Scout patrol leader used to address us 11yr olds with "OK you Muggs". Then it was "Let's go men!".
He was a little strange....

Murf

bearman2 · « **Reply #17 on:** 31 Jan 2013, 09:39 pm »

Ihave an Ultra pre built by Frank and it is great and I think you will enjoy your t-8. This is my big mug. LOL

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #18 on:** 1 Feb 2013, 07:16 pm »

I have both the T-8 and the Insight pre-amps, and I think that you made an excellent decision choosing the T-8. It is a great pre-amp.

murf · « **Reply #19 on:** 2 Feb 2013, 04:50 pm »

Thanks Bear & Pipe,
As you know, it is a little hard to find tests of AVA preamps & other stuff, even harder to find comparisons with other brands. But I have been able to listen to a few other amps & get a rough idea of how my 400R compares, which is very well!
So I really think this T8+ pre will deliver the goods, & as TAS says, transcend its price range!.

Best, Murf

PS: Nice 'mug' on that pup; and some are good absorbent room treatments too: