Need help re: TACT options...

CornellAlum · « **Reply #20 on:** 27 Jan 2006, 04:18 pm »

My panny is modified fwiw.

RDaneel · « **Reply #21 on:** 27 Jan 2006, 04:40 pm »

Ok, just got off the phone with Boz. I like that a head honcho will take prospective customer calls. I'm used to AV123's big cheese Mark Schifter, who will call you from his cell in Hong Kong if you need him too, so I guess i'm spoiled.

Anyway, what I was told is that for my setup - 2.0 with no need for a crossover package, just straight up source->TacT product(s)-speakers - that the M2150XDM will do everything I need without compromise (at least no compromise as compared to other models in the line). I specifically wanted to know if a 2.0S or 2.2XP combined with a S2150 amp would offer anything better, and the answer was no. Other than a mic stand, the 2150XDM comes with everything - digital inputs, a RS-232 connection for use with the computer-based software, mic, etc.

I'm not saying this is perfect for everyone, but for someone that currently has a 5 box system, the possibility of going to a 2 box system is nice. Again, from what I was told, the 2150XDM is a lot like a 2.2XP, just minus the support for subs, but with amplification built in.

Sounds like I need to give this a demo!

CornellAlum · « **Reply #22 on:** 27 Jan 2006, 04:58 pm »

What's the retail.

RDaneel · « **Reply #23 on:** 27 Jan 2006, 05:02 pm »

The M2150XDM (I hope I have the last few letters right) is something like $4200 retail...

ekovalsky · « **Reply #24 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 07:14 am »

Only difference between the M(aster) and S(lave) amps is the volume wheel. M has it, S does not. Volume settings for both amps is generally done by remote control anyway. Unless you need to use the wheel, no need to pay extra for the M. Although it is a pretty sweet wheel !

For single-amping a pair of speakers, a 2150X amp and transport are all you need. This should give you good full range sound, with room correction. There is no need for a DAC or preamp, so keep that in considering when evaluating the price.

If you ever plan on adding subwoofers and/or multi-amping your main speakers with DSP crossovers, the 2150X is a poor choice. You'd be much better off getting an RCS 2.2X and 2150 amp(s).

The stock TacT amps sound pretty good, much better than I expected given their price. Just over a year ago, I replaced a Jeff Rowland 302/4 (ICEpower) with two S2150 and had no regrets.

But there were shortcomings compared to an excellent hybrid amp I later auditioned, the Blue Circle 204. Well over twice the price of the TacT, it has the same power output into 8 ohms and lacks the DAC & signal processing capabilities of the TacT. But the Blue Circle was more transparent and had cleaner high frequency reproduction. Also the TacT amp sounded somewhat thin across the midrange in comparison. The TacT amp did win on the woofers and subwoofers, however.

I know George found the TacT amps inferior to his DNA500 (a world class solid state amp) but I don't remember how he characterized the differences.

Generally, I believe the advantages of room correction will more than offset differences in absolute fidelity between the TacT and "better" conventional setups. Fixing the problems in my room were far more important to my listening enjoyment than some nuances of audiophilia. But for perfectionists like myself that can afford it, there are ways to realize a lot of untapped performance in the TacT gear:

1. Optimize digital signal transmission. This means using a very high quality source, good digital cables, and upgrading pulse transformers in the amp. If an RCS is used, its pulse transformers must also be upgraded, and a master clock should be installed.

2. Eliminate/minimize noise contamination. This should be addressed within the unit itself, by installing EMI/RF absorbing material on certain chips, wires, and circuit board traces; and within the system in general, by blocking noise into and out of each at the IEC.

3. Provide clean power. Use a power conditioner like Running Springs Audio or ISO-21 strips that filter noise on hot, neutral, and ground lines. Good power cords also help. I've had great system synergy with the Michael Wolff carbon source and gain cables. Annother experienced TacT user I know, who happens to be a reviewer for Stereo Times, is very fond of the more costly Shunyata Anaconda Vx which he uses with a Hydra 8. In the RCS, just upgrading the power supply (my first TacT mod) made a substantial improvement in the sound of the entire system.

4. Upgrade passive parts. The TacT amps aren't terribly expensive, and like nearly all high end equipment they are most definitely built to a budget. You can go crazy here -- caps, inductors, diodes, wire, Mosfets, binding posts, etc can all be improved upon. I believe this applies to nearly all high end equipment (excepting rare cost-no-object designs from the likes of DarTZeel, FM Acoustics, ASR, Boulder etc) and should not be interpreted as the TacT requiring extensive parts replacement to sound good. On the contrary, it took a while to develop mods for the TacT amps as they stock design worked quite well.

kfr01 · « **Reply #25 on:** 6 Apr 2006, 04:53 pm »

Great thread so far. ekovalsky, your information is great.

I'm also considering a move to Tact, but I'm an upgrade in stages type of guy.

While I eventually want to go with a stereo subwoofer system to supplement my Exodus 2641 towers, I'm not ready financially to buy the Tact 2.2X, (2) Tact S2150 amps, and the subwoofers at the same time.

I'm also weighing the flexibility of going with the Tact 2.2X + $1k worth of DAC modules v.s. Tact 2.2X w/o DAC modules + Tact Amps.

My initial thought was that I could sell my current preamp, dac, and amplifer and buy an S2150 amplifier. This would get me the amplifier I could use later in the full-blown system while allowing me to enjoy Room Correction now.

Smart? Not smart?

Also, I seek more impressions of the Tact amplifiers v.s. decent class a/ab amps. Anyone else care to share?

Thanks

OBF · « **Reply #26 on:** 6 Apr 2006, 10:17 pm »

You can get a fully loaded 2.2X AAA (2 DACs, one for the main speakers and one for a pair of subs, plus the analog input board) used in the $3k range on Audiogon. That's what I did a while ago and as much as I loved my Bent preamp and source player, I'm glad I did. With the AAA model you don't need one of their digital amps unless you want one. I'm still using my AKSA amp with good results. I used the same reasoning as you did, sell my CD Player and preamp and apply the $ to the 2.2X and then I'm going to add a pair of subs as funds permit. Even without subs, the quality of bass in room is vastly superior.

zybar · « **Reply #27 on:** 6 Apr 2006, 10:54 pm »

Quote from: OBF

You can get a fully loaded 2.2X AAA (2 DACs, one for the main speakers and one for a pair of subs, plus the analog input board) used in the $3k range on Audiogon. That's what I did a while ago and as much as I loved my Bent preamp and source player, I'm glad I did. With the AAA model you don't need one of their digital amps unless you want one. I'm still using my AKSA amp with good results. I used the same reasoning as you did, sell my CD Player and preamp and apply the $ to the 2.2X and then I'm going ...

I also went from the Bent passive to a fully loaded TacT 2.2x and I am incredibly happy (no disrespect to John) and have no urge to change out the TacT. The only thing I have done is have the TacT modified by Anthony at Aberdeen Components in order to get even more out of it. As a stock preamp the TacT wasn't as transparent, detailed, or musical as the Bent. However, once you engage the room correction functionality, the scale tips heavily in favor of the TacT.

I use the TacT 2.2x with a McCormack DNA-500 amp. I tried the TacT amps (in stock form) and didn't fel they were in the class as the DNA-500.

George

kfr01 · « **Reply #28 on:** 7 Apr 2006, 02:30 am »

George: Thanks for the feedback - that helps.

Is it at all easy or possible to integrate the Tact 2.2X with a cheapo receiver?

I'm 99.9% music, but it'd be nice to do HT-BYPASS.

zybar · « **Reply #29 on:** 7 Apr 2006, 02:34 am »

Quote from: kfr01

Is it at all easy or possible to integrate the Tact 2.2X with a cheapo receiver?

I'm 99.9% music, but it'd be nice to do HT-BYPASS.

Yup.

When I had my HT and 2 channel combined I ran the L/R analog outs to a set of analog inputs on the TacT. Next set the TacT for 0 gain and you are home free!

Just remember to change the volume before listening to music.

Worked like a charm.

George

kfr01 · « **Reply #30 on:** 7 Apr 2006, 03:19 am »

George:

Thanks again for the feedback.

Looks like I'll just be saving for a Tact 2.2XP aaa or watching the used market.

I do like the idea of using any amplifier.

Have you picked your subwoofers yet?

Karl

zybar · « **Reply #31 on:** 7 Apr 2006, 03:27 am »

I am going to have Jim Salk make me apair to match my HT3's at some point.

Right now I feel that the HT3's are so good on th ebasss that a sub is not needed.

I also no longer have my HT and 2 channel sharing the same space so the TacT won't be part of my HT.

George

MauiMods · « **Reply #32 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 10:57 am »

I have about 5, 2.2x's radically modded units, and will sell off a couple units. They can be had is various configs. I still like the 2.2x better than the XP, in terms of sound quality.
Anthony

miklorsmith · « **Reply #33 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 02:47 pm »

Maybe. I had the 2.2X and had it upgraded to XP status. The DRC does work and the real-time XO and frequency adjustments are VERY helpful in optimizing the piece to your room.

In stock form, the XP does not seem less transparent than the 2.2X. It's a very clean sounding SS preamp.

95bcwh · « **Reply #34 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 04:36 pm »

All,
I just got the news from Tact that one can get a M2150 XDM from Tact for $2490..wow wow... that's more than $1000 off the original retail price right?

What's the catch? Anyone knows?

Rgds
barry

95bcwh · « **Reply #35 on:** 25 Jun 2006, 06:37 am »

Quote from: murphy11 on 25 Jun 2006, 04:15 am

Quote from: 95bcwh on 19 Jun 2006, 04:36 pm
All,
I just got the news from Tact that one can get a M2150 XDM from Tact for $2490..wow wow... that's more than $1000 off the original retail price right?

What's the catch? Anyone knows?

Rgds
barry
If you think its legit, please shoot me a pm. Sounds fishy though considering their website lists them at $4190 http://www.tactlab.com/webshop/

This thing is NOT fishy at all.. but I'm afraid it may be too late. I called up Tact to ask them about the sales on the old M2150 model, and then they told me that they have limited quantity of M2150XDM they're willing to let go at a killer price just to encourage more people to try out. You won't get the deal on the website, you will only get it by calling Tact directly.. however, it has been quite a few days ago.. I didn't pull the trigger, because what I really need is a preamp, and the XDM do not have a pre-out.. so I have to stick with RCS..