[rollo]

Hey GHM nice to hear from you again hope you had a nice holiday.Looks like Nicholas has just sold another Energizer to ME
rollo

[tanchiro58]

Nick,

How much does it cost? I need one but can it be used for DAC too?
I just got an used dual mono TVC from an audiogoner and do not like the two attenuators (they got loose and when I switch it does turn a part at the connection too). Do you have another better one? I have to admit the dual mono model sounds much better than a stereo attenuator one. Would you explain it to me I would appreciate your times.
What is exactly the power energizer doing? My amp is a parallel 2A3. I do not hear a lot of snap and firm bass which is not pushed out of the 97 dB vintage speakers. Does the PE help in this case? Thanks.

Kind regards,
Tan

[jaspal kallar]

PS.to date I have 360HRS on the TVC waiting untill 400HRS for full evaluation.Preliminary review after 360HRS; the biggest bang for the buck I've EVER experienced,and the sound well You'll just have to wait.I can say this though,if you don't have at least $2800 to spend buy this TVC and check it out.

Come on, Rollo, you have to stop this blatant torture  I mean some of don't even have any music at present and are waiting for our TVC to be built, arrive and to be burned in. I think I'll have to ban myself from this forum until mine arrives. Joking aside it's been interesting watching your comments at the various burn-in milestones. It seems that the TVC gets better and better with age (burn-in). Not long to go I suppose before we are treated to 400 HRS review. I look forward to it.

  - jaspal.

PS. Just out of interest, what does $2800 buy you ?

[JLM]

Tan,

Snap and firm bass is not what I'd expect from 2A3 with 97 dB/w/m speakers.  Typically tube power amps have poor damping characteristics which means that any bass would be flabby.  High efficiency speakers that do true bass (say below 40 Hz) is an oxymoron, and pretty much a violation of the laws of physics.  You can add EQ, but it will cost the efficiency and drain what little power your amp has available.

I'd try using a powered sub first if you're after improved "snap and firm bass".  This will take load off the amp and speakers so that they can both sound better once they're relieved of the heavy bass load.

[NewBuyer]

...Unless you have the hearing of a dog ..it is not possible to hear anything from this unit. Yes you are correct..I have to put my ear physically up against it to hear anything. It wouldn't be any different for any other power device using a transformer. The pic was taken before I plugged the amplifier in. Nick told me he dampen the chassis with wax. The entire transformer is buried in the wax. It doesn't look huge..but this thing is heavy. You have to grab this one with two hands to move it.

Sounds very hefty! Yes I've had several components with large transformers that didn't make a peep, even with ear right on the chassis. Ones that do make noise (even ear-on-chassis noise) tend to get louder and louder in the buzz/hum over time, eventually becoming unpleasant in my experience.

Any chance you could open the thing up and share a pic with us? I'm so curious to see the internals of that thing, who knows maybe the head of Jimmy Hoffa is in there...

[PromitheusAudio]

guys
i can't access much internet and i can't access the forum. i using a friend's pc for this

THe only communication is thru email. Speeds are bad due to the taiwan earthquake.

Tan
email me offline to my email so that i can guide you on how to fix the unit. i believe the locking nut for the switch got loose(perhaps with shipping). What you need to do is just tighten the nut while holding the blue rotary firm from the inside. You will need to remove the knob to do so or if you have small pliers you can tighten it without removing the knobs. The grub screw in the knob is a 4mm size.
Also what speakers are using? 2a3 normally has a lot of firm bass and snap. But this is a single ended version. parallel seems to soggie up the bass.

The power energizer seems to be usefull for better bass control and texture. the soundstage is wider and more depth. The music is more relaxed. The bass,mids and highs become vivid. The space around the instruments is better. And the noise floor drops. Sound becomes more stable. So far i notice it is a micro and macro improvement in sonics

But the best person is to ask GHM and another audiocircler user. Because i am comparing it when i am using at 240Volts so at 120volts it may different. But need comfirmation on this from GHM/

On the extra outlets shoud not be a problem. I can add it but will need help to purchase this extra outlets from the US. IN malaysia, we don't have much access to the US style plugs.

I will forward the new pics of the power energizer transformer soon. It uses a paper bobbin where each layer of wire is place with a layer of paper and this method is done by hand. This is old skool method of making trans and was forgo to go for the new plastic bobbin method which does not require every layer to be inserted with paper. the unit with GHM is this same thing. The new power energizer also uses wire that is teflon insulated which is better than the polyester insulation.

GHM
You won't believe when i was listen at my friend's place when he change the planks below his Power energizer from MDF to some hard wood . The sonics change, it was noticable not day and night but it just proves some that the Power energizer benefits from the wood isolation.
The power energizer slightly buzzes(you have to put your ears next to the unit) because it is storing energy and the AC is passing thru it.
Also did you notice that the sound is changing? i have reports saying that the power energizer sounds change and the biggest jump is after 30 hours
The unit looks small but weight close to 40lbs

NExt week again our country is on  almost one week of holiday. Here in malaysia we have almost 20+ days of national level holiday and this will prevent me from shipping out stuff. We are really un-productive country  .

Jaspal
I believe yours will be shipping out after the holiday break

[Dan155]

Nicholas,

thanks for the update.  Hope you and your family are safe and well after the earthquake.

Dan

[anubisgrau]

does anyone have any evidence how promitheus behaves after  longer periods out of use?

my plan is to fully run it in, and than to use it occasionally along with another (active preamp) i have in my system, depending on occasion. so what it may happen is that, from time to time, for a week or two it will not be in use.

would this matter with a unit that's fully run in beforehand, considering it doesn't have any active circuit that's dependant on power. for example, my active preamp, if switched off for some days, usually needs some 3-7 days of continuous play to get in form again.

how is with the TVCs?

[jaspal kallar]

guys
i can't access much internet and i can't access the forum. i using a friend's pc for this

THe only communication is thru email. Speeds are bad due to the taiwan earthquake.

NExt week again our country is on  almost one week of holiday. Here in malaysia we have almost 20+ days of national level holiday and this will prevent me from shipping out stuff. We are really un-productive country  .

Jaspal
I believe yours will be shipping out after the holiday break

Thanks for taking the time Nick to keep me/us informed even though things are not perfect with regards to commincation. Enjoy your week off!

    - jaspal

[PromitheusAudio]

Jaspal
We were very far away from the earthquake. The earthquake was closer to japan then here. bUt internet is still down. Hotrodding my neighbours broadband.
For the national holiday next week, we will be working while the nation takes a break off. Need to get those tvc out. I  was working on christmas eve and christmas day after enjoying a good turkey and lamb shanks. So for the special "tvc" made during christmas ought to be good.
New year will be usher in 2 hours time and i will be making a tvc while the fireworks lit up

Normally after the tvc is burn in, it would take about 1 hours to full re-open as it needs to re-energize

Guys have a great new year.

[GHM]

You have a nice New Year as well Nick. I'm enjoying the system very much. I'm through buying equipment for now. Finally reached a point where I'm no longer looking to upgrade. Thanks Nick for the great gear!

[NewBuyer]

...On the extra outlets shoud not be a problem. I can add it but will need help to purchase this extra outlets from the US. IN malaysia, we don't have much access to the US style plugs...

Regarding the outlets on the PE unit: For components plugged into those outlets, is the PE acting as a power isolation transformer? Is the PE different from, say, a Tripplite isolation transformer?

Happy New Year to you too Nick, and also to GHM and the rest of y'all here!

But Nick I do wish you would take the break. You deserve it, and you might get exhausted without it!

...I'm through buying equipment for now. Finally reached a point where I'm no longer looking to upgrade...

GHM, you know this feeling won't last! The feelings will creep up on you again soon, we both know that!

[acd483]

I just received my TVC, a reference dual input/output model in black lacquer. My initial reaction is very good. We are comparing apples and oranges at my house. My father's setup consists of an MHdt labs Constantine USB DAC, Fisher 500b and ADS 1290 speakers. Mine replaces the Fisher with the Promitheus TVC and a B&K EX-442. I must say, we were expecting a very different sound from the two although if it has been said the ultimate compliment for a purely solid state setup is to sound as good as tube one, we have certainly met that demand right off the bat. The TVC/B&K create a more substantial and authoritative sound, with articulate bass. The soundstages are similar in depth and neither setups are fatiguing. My only fear was the Constantine would be too clarified and brittle sounding for the B&K, but it is not. That said, I still want a USB tube DAC and look forward to Nicholas's iteration.

My biggest complaint would be build quality. The black lacquer is poorly accomplished and the whole unit is amateurish looking at best. That said, my Dad and I continue a long line of craftsmen who demand the best. I can't say I would attempt building a new box for this, but honestly, what's inside is much more important to me than the outside. Another speed bump was after a couple dials of the volume knob, the pot loosened itself and required opening the lid and tightening. I can safely say the TVC is functioning properly again and awaits a thorough review post-burn-in. Finally, I did not receive any cones on which to position the TVC which I thought were included. While I will be designing and building my own, I certainly want to see (and hear) Nicholas's version.

All in all, this is a great way to start off 2007. The Promitheus promises to be a great addition to my system and I can't wait until it is fully burned-in! Can't wait for the DAC too!

[anubisgrau]

nick, if you read this, can you please check your mail. there is an urgent message from me, regarding a paper i need from you for customs.
sorry for OT
cheers

[brashgordon]

Just curious .... but where did the pictures of my TVC go ... from about page 61 ???

Did I iritate a Mod or what ...


GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG


Nicholas .... my TVC is amazing ... my dual subs are handling 80 hz and below better than ever ...
My 300B's are sweeter that ever... even when rolling the 4 pairs of driver tubes ...

each has a "signature" ... and one I can choose to prefer ...
 
and I can hear the difference in the three rectifier tubes .... 5U4G (recommended),
Mullard GZ33 and 34's ... (have to be gentle with them) ... different spec's and stuff ...

But the "first watt" is the most important....

and cleanliness is next to God-li-mess, eh ???   and yes I meant "mess"


GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

[rollo]

     From out of the box this has been a tripduring the break-in process.It went from good out of the box to wheres my hammer to midfi to lowfi[200-300HRS] to wow! what happened it sounds really good now.Somewhere between370&400HRSthere was a major transformation.NEVER in the history of breaking in components in my home have I experienced such a dramatic change.
     Now at 432HRS even MORE.A smooth slightly light presentation with vivid clarity, transparancy,dead quiet with exceptional detail.Not getting the sweetness some are hearing though.
     Before I go any further with my sonic impressions, a change of the support system was revised from previous listening sessions.The new set up consisted of Hyperion[speaker people] M-35 magnetic isolaters resting on a maple plinth supported by Sound Fusion footers.This combo most improved sound quality all around.Found Mapleshade cones and maple too bright[sorry Gooberdude] and all other combos lacking.The TVC seems to be picky about how its supported and as I found there are many options to play with.
     I'm listening as I'm writing this and  becoming distracted  by the music.The pen just went down'its now 1HR later and its time to write again.
     I previously posted  my preliminary ratings of the sonic merits using a 1-10 scale.Toss that out the window as the TVC is a different animal now.
     Some general observations to start.What ever this unit does it does well.Could it have more weight,slam, air,bloom,decay,yes for the ultimate in sound reproduction.For this money it has no right to be this good'its worth its weight in gold.
      Found myself after 432HRS immersed in the music rather than reviewing.Believe me the critic hat was on but the music won out.Just started pulling out CD after CD.Listened to Keb Mo-Keb Mo-trks 1,4,Clapton Unplugged trks 1,4,13,Ref. Recording-Tutti-trks1,4,6,8,11,12,15,16[this will knock your socks off]with generous use of volume control a la Bottlehead mode WOW!Emmylou Harris-Spy Boy trks 6,8 VG bass and no sibilance in vocals in this CD or any other CD.Joey Defrancesco Live At The 5 Spot trks 1-6 check out sax on trk 2 and the Hammond B3 through out.Eva Cassidy Live At Blues Alley trk 2,trk 8 Tall Trees in Georgia was a treat voice sweet yes I said sweet and smooth.Things are still changing and I can't believe it after 432HRS.Eva was alive.I could go on but getting tired of writing.Just want to listen.O'kay,O'kay I'm back.
       You get the idea,I like the TVC yes and no.What I don't like is a matter of omission rather than error.The overall character of what I believe to be the singnature of the silver wiring is prominent, a tad light and dry on top and not as authoritive as it could be in the bass.If the in and out wiring to the RCA's was copper[which I'm changing to]it would be a difficult decision between my active pre and the TVC.To date the Loesch & Wiesner takes the cake [15X more expensive].The fact that the TVC at $530 [dual mono ebony knobs] is even close is amazing.The Loesch is one of the best out there this is world class stuff not just pride in ownership.
       Against the Bent Flex Kit in a maple encl.my recollection tells me the Bent may have a slight edge as it was better than the Loesch except for air and bloom ,guess its the tube thing or the copper wiring in the Bent.Next week we will head to head with the Bent.If I receive a copper wire version from Nick or a double run of silver as Nick suggests for more body and weight I'll keep you posted.
        Buck for buck this is a wonderfull achievement which should be auditioned at the least.With a30 day MBG its a no brainer.

  Ratings:
            bass-8
            treble-8.5
             mid.-8.5
             detail-9
            air-7.5
             bloom-7.5
             sound stage-9.5
             imaging-9.5
             dynamics-8.5
             body & soul-7.5
             Wght-7
              Tonality-8.5
              Harmonic structure-8.5
              decay-8
P.S.At 450HRS a slight improvement, when does this end?If this changes again at 500HRS I'll crap.Who really knows I'll let you know.Jaspal you okay need oxygen!Isn't this fun.This unit will not be for everyone but for most it could very well be the ticket .If your system thin or bright stay away if its anything else BUY IT.

System;
           Lector CDP 7tl,with Harmonix Golden Performance IC's to TVC Audio Research Copper litz IC's to Consonance Cyber 211's,Omega Mikro copper active speaker cables to Pipedreams,Homemade copper IC's to M&K sub.TT Linn not working WHAT A SUPRISE Cap in power supply went South bummer.So just listened to CD's no records.So don't really know if I'll need step up my phono stage puts out about 60db of gain.The Micro Benz M2 is .8MV should be fine but don't really know


    rollo

[anubisgrau]

hahahahaha rollo you must be goin mad, you started with stellar compliments and at the end you gave it even worse marks than a week ago. man take some rest from audio

[tbabb]

Well curiosity has finally got the better of me and I placed an order for a reference Promitheus TVC.  This will be my first passive preamp. Currently my reference is the Wright Sound Company WLA12A 6Sn7 tube Pre-amp.  Which replaced my Cary / AES DJH pre-amp. 

During and after burn I'll be posting my comments and sonic observations.


Tim
Elgin, Illlinois

[rollo]

hahahahaha rollo you must be goin mad, you started with stellar compliments and at the end you gave it even worse marks than a week ago. man take some rest from audio

    Mad you say,close anyway,and the cause was not the TVC it was my amps bias setting that was driving me MAD.I get 127.5 V from my wall outlet[which I never knew].With the NOS GE4TC 211 tubes it was suggested I set bias at 5.25V in lieu of 4.8V for stock tube.I could not get the 5.25V on the right channel consistently as the wall current would change.Puzzled I contacted Consonance and they advised me to set the bias at 4.85V and to find out why I'm getting 127.5V out of the wall.Changed 30YR old breaker in electric house panel and back to 122V pretty much constant.
    With the bias properly set my impressions were different than before.The sound now has more body,bass is more powerfull and just better all around.The reason for the higher scores in the begining was I guess my desire for the TVC to sound good.
     Last evening with the new bias setting and a new circuit breaker in the panel my ratings have changed.
       THIS UNIT IS 9 OF 10 its still does not equal my active but it got alot closer and bettering it in the clarity and detail depts.Dynamics as well were better.
        Let me say this again TVC WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD FOR THE MONEY BUY IT AND TRY IT YOU MAY JUST CRAP!
     


You OK Jaspal


cheers rollo

[jaspal kallar]

You OK Jaspal
cheers rollo

I'm calmer nowadays since I know the TVC will arrive sometime in this month.

Well it is certainly interesting reading your comments Rollo. I think the bottom line is that the TVC is extremly good value for money judging by your (and others) comments. The fact that it's not that far from your active (which is 15x the price) in terms of sound quality, should be enough to convince people to try it. It's resell value is very good also should it absolutely not work in your system. 

One thing Rollo. You mentioned earlier:

" If the in and out wiring to the RCA's was copper[which I'm changing to]it would be a difficult decision between my active pre and the TVC."

I presume you mean internally?

I wonder if anybody has tried the TVC with rock music. I suppose in general, I'm try to figure out with everybodies reviews if the TVC is more suited to a certain genre?

Also, mine won't be the reference TVC but a question for Nick. If one wanted to upgrade at a later date, to say the dual mono reference, could one send it back and get it upgraded or would that not be cost effective.

 - jaspal.