Promitheus TVC passive preamp anyone?

guest1632 · « **Reply #760 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 03:52 pm »

Quote from: rollo on 15 Jan 2007, 03:37 pm

Ray,
Not a bad idea let you know when new TVC arrives.
Tried something with TVC that had positive affect on sound.I removed the S/S cover and placed a large cigar box filled with SAND on top[fit perfectly,just inside recess for S/S top.Sound was fuller and still had the clarity we all like.So couldn't leave that alone so I removed the cones underneath and rested the unit directly on the wood plinth[SPRUCE] and well,well,well what do we have here my little dumpling.
I will not tell you,give it a try and listen as I do not want to influence your thought process.Tweak away its fun and tutorial.
rollo

Hey Rollo,

That's an interesting idea. Like I have said in other posts, we need to investigate the possiblility of making the case out of something that's innert. Your sandfilled cigar box is innert. Tap on the top, and all you will get is most likely a dull thud. Maybe, not even that. How thick is the actual wood case that the TVC is in. Maybe, coat the insides of the case with some form of resin, like a tar or wax. I read somewhere that over in the Omega speaker circle Louis has a powder coating that deadens the wooden cabinets. Worth a shot.

Regards,
Ray

GHM · « **Reply #761 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 05:46 pm »

Hey Ray..I have an extra TVC. It should be in Washington state this week ..I think

. It has been coast to coast. The guy there will probably have it for two weeks or so. I'll have him send it to you once he's done. Just forward me your shipping address if interested. It won't cost you anything..just shipping back out once you're done listening.

Early B. · « **Reply #762 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 07:53 pm »

Does anyone have a simple explanation for how a transformer volume control works in LAYMAN'S terms? Alternatively, are there any links to websites that easily explain how TVCs work?

Thanks.

guest1632 · « **Reply #763 on:** 15 Jan 2007, 08:05 pm »

Quote from: Early B. on 15 Jan 2007, 07:53 pm

Does anyone have a simple explanation for how a transformer volume control works in LAYMAN'S terms? Alternatively, are there any links to websites that easily explain how TVCs work?

Thanks.

Hi, If you read back towards the beginning of this thread, there is an explanation of how a TVC works.

Ray

StereoJoe · « **Reply #764 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 08:47 am »

Quote from: Ray Bronk on 15 Jan 2007, 01:07 pm

Hi, So what version of the TVC are you getting? the dual Vvolume control, double wiring etc.

Ray

When I ordered back in Oct last year there were no dual option for the volume control, nor double wiring. Not sure I would have ordered one, either. Mine is a balanced unit, with the Grayhill 4-pole 4-way switch (3 RCA in, 1 XLR in and XLR out - maybe Nicholas has thrown in an RCA out also?). I do like the looks of the ebony knobs, maybe I order them later when the unit is fully burned in. Would be grateful if anyone posts pictures of TVCs with these knobs!

anubisgrau · « **Reply #765 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 12:54 pm »

i noticed some bamboo chopping boards in a local chinese shop.... anyone tried something like this? bamboo good or not?

launche · « **Reply #766 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 03:43 pm »

I saw some of the mentioned bamboo cutting boards at my grocery store and at the Dept. Store (Homegoods, Marshalls) just yesterday. Maybe I will try some different tone woods for comparision soon.
The Spruce that was mentioned also looks interesting.

But first I think I would like to explore dampening the internal chasis of the TVC.

Gaara · « **Reply #767 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 03:45 pm »

Early B.

There is also some info to be found elsewhere, I found a lot on AA, as well as 6moons. There is some info in a review here a older review, an even older review and some extra info from S&B. Get your read on.

Jared

Early B. · « **Reply #768 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 03:54 pm »

Thanks, Gaara.

I'll get my read on...

slbender · « **Reply #769 on:** 16 Jan 2007, 09:36 pm »

Hmm.... I'm not so sure about this Box-O-Sand stuff making a Pre or anything else sound better!

I'm probably going to bring my Bengrun PPA-31 over to Rollo's later this month, or early next month, but DON'T TELL HIM, I haven't even mentioned it yet. All he knows is that I'm still working on my new SET Amp, the one with Bendix Red Bank Minuteman Missile OP Tubes.

I never had any previous Passive Preamp's, so really nothing to compare it to, except my upgraded Dyna PAS-3x. I'd love to have a Bent or other TVC for a week when the new stuff is done and see What's What....

-Steven L. Bender

Quote from: GHM on 15 Jan 2007, 05:46 pm

Hey Ray..I have an extra TVC. It should be in Washington state this week ..I think . It has been coast to coast. The guy there will probably have it for two weeks or so. I'll have him send it to you once he's done. Just forward me your shipping address if interested. It won't cost you anything..just shipping back out once you're done listening.

maxwalrath · « **Reply #770 on:** 17 Jan 2007, 04:22 am »

Quote from: rollo on 11 Jan 2007, 01:51 am

PS looks like the test will continue with different gauge wire and material

I wonder if Nick has been able to do any testing regarding the wire gauge yet. It sounds like there might be a way to get the best of all worlds.

Early B. · « **Reply #771 on:** 17 Jan 2007, 10:56 pm »

Got my TVC Ref 2 today!!!

It arrived safely and well packed. Waited only 6 weeks to get it.

Letting it burn in overnight before I listen to it again.

More to come...

Early B. · « **Reply #772 on:** 18 Jan 2007, 05:02 am »

After only about 3 hours, the TVC opened up tremendously. Been listening to my favorite tunes all evening. Sounds fantastic! I played in my worst recorded CD and it sounded great. Vocals are crystal clear. The TVC brings out all of the subtle nuances of the music. I thought my system was transparent before, but now the bar has been raised.

I'm letting it burn in some more overnight and will listen again tomorrow.

Still more to come...

analogmart · « **Reply #773 on:** 18 Jan 2007, 06:19 am »

How's the difference in sound quality between this TVC and nice Hi-end tube preamp?
Someone said that one does not fit all, still need nice tube stuff for some genre of music.

Early B. · « **Reply #774 on:** 18 Jan 2007, 09:54 am »

Quote from: analogmart on 18 Jan 2007, 06:19 am

How's the difference in sound quality between this TVC and nice Hi-end tube preamp?
Someone said that one does not fit all, still need nice tube stuff for some genre of music.

The TVC sounds very much like a tube pre, IMO. It has no hint of a "solid state sound" at all.

The fact that some people are comparing the sound character of this TVC to high end tube preamps speaks volumes in itself.

rollo · « **Reply #775 on:** 18 Jan 2007, 03:19 pm »

Quote from: analogmart on 18 Jan 2007, 06:19 am

How's the difference in sound quality between this TVC and nice Hi-end tube preamp?
Someone said that one does not fit all, still need nice tube stuff for some genre of music.

After living with the TVC for some 700HRS now and listening to all of my familiar music I can say that what it really does.The unit offers a smooth detailed,transparent and dynamic presentation.It has some bloom, but not to the extent of my tubed PRE.It has air but again not up to the active.The size of the soundstage is a tad smaller with the TVC than the active.The active, however does NOT have the transparency,clarity,detail and speed of the TVC.The TVC at low volume allows more music to come through.Low volume listening is more pleasurable now as I can hear more info.
If I didn't own a statement preamp and didn't know what it could do I'd probably would claim the TVC one of the best Preamps[passive or active] I have ever heard.
Don't want to sound like an ass but unless you experience the sound of a world class preamp in YOUR SYSTEM you just have NO IDEA what is possible.The promitheus will give you VG to EX results.but will not give you bloom,air and decay of a well regarded tubed preamp.The active can be at least 10X more expensive,is it 10X better NO,but us AUDIOFOOLS would spend the extra if we had it to own the ultimate.Don't get me wrong the TVC outperformed several actives compared to it but not all.the degree in difference is SMALL but noticeable.
In the end the TVC will give you the emotional impact of the music just not the goosebumps of a statement tubed unit
rollo

rajacat · « **Reply #776 on:** 18 Jan 2007, 05:05 pm »

Rollo,

What statement preamp did you use for comparison to the TVC?

Raja

rollo · « **Reply #777 on:** 18 Jan 2007, 06:37 pm »

Quote from: rajacat on 18 Jan 2007, 05:05 pm

Rollo,

What statement preamp did you use for comparison to the TVC?

Raja

Hey Raja,
We used a Loesch & Wiesner phono pre .The line stage uses Mullard 6GK5 inputs and Tungsol 5687 output.The inputs are battery biased.There are [2] General Radio tube rectified power supplies one for each channel.The circuits were designed by Dr. Loesch and hand built by John Wiesner.The phono stage inputs are Westinghouse 413A's which are also battery biased.
Other pre's were Siltech,Copland,Wright,J.C. Morrison,Wytech Opal,CJ Act 2 $3500 to $15000,The Loesch was $7500.Remember the Promitheus I have cost $530[dual mono,ebony knobs[2],Ref. model] NONE of the expensive models were 7X or30X better than the TVC.The differences were a matter of omission and degree only.Try it and see for yourself.
rollo

rollo · « **Reply #778 on:** 18 Jan 2007, 07:25 pm »

GHM,
Can't believe 777 replies 24663 hits on this subject.Can't believe the interest,maybe other Manf's will offer performance and VALUE like Promitheus.ARE YOU LISTENING MANF's.
So thanks again for bringing the TVC to AC.
rollo

GHM · « **Reply #779 on:** 18 Jan 2007, 08:20 pm »

Quote from: rollo on 18 Jan 2007, 07:25 pm

GHM,
Can't believe 777 replies 24663 hits on this subject.Can't believe the interest,maybe other Manf's will offer performance and VALUE like Promitheus.ARE YOU LISTENING MANF's.
So thanks again for bringing the TVC to AC.
rollo

Hi Rollo thanks my friend. Yeah I can't believe the hits and replies either!!

I hope other manufactures get on the boat and offer such great performance for the price. I've been searching the net for companies like Promitheus Audio. There are a few out there..you just have to look really hard for them.

Promitheus TVC passive preamp anyone?

guest1632

guest1632