[jaspal kallar]

Ray, thanks again. I'll try that break-in method and see what happens.

Just wanted to say that I broke by having my CD on repeat - i.e playing and my amp turned off and the volume position 2 clicks from max and then occasionally  3 clicks from max. This is how it was recommended for me to do by other AC members in this thread. After ~ 365 hrs I noticed a considerable difference. Anyway, just my experience.

  - jaspal.

[goldlizsts]

Hi guys,

I am new to this thread.  I recently was introduced to the TVC, and was impressed with it during a short session listening to it.  So, I'm considering it.  I now have a tubed preamp going with my Rowland 112.  I was told that the TVC going better with an amp with low input sensitivity, is that correct?  The Rowland has .71 and 1.41 input sensitivity options.  So, I would guess the .71v is more desirable?  I wonder how the sound would be.  I'm considering ordering one with copper wiring though (for a fatter mid, warmer sound perhaps).  I think Nicholas is working on a copper version.  I'm so used to a tubed preamp, so I wonder how the TVC would sound with a Rowland.  Any wisdom?  Thanks.

[GHM]

Affordable audio just released a new review of the Promitheus. Here's the article Promitheus Review.

Goldlizsts,
Try them both..I would definitely lean towards the .7 volt input. I think you'll get a fuller sound going that route. You may be a canidate for the Promitheus tubed output stage if you're fond of the tube sound.

[gooberdude]

Hey Gymane,

I was just about to post that link.   Kinda funny that the reviewer bought his TVC based on
this thread....way to go!

From the few issues i've read, Affordable Audio is a good 'zine.

[GHM]

Hey Matt,

I agree....the magazine runs along the lines of gear mere mortals can afford. This is much better reading too me than Stereophile, which I gave up on long ago. Most people can't afford $50,000 speakers and $15,000 CD players. It was a waste for me to bother with reading. Even if I had that kind of money, you couldn't get me to put it in audio. I look forward to reading more from the down to earth audio mag Affordable audio.

[goldlizsts]

Affordable audio just released a new review of the Promitheus. Here's the article Promitheus Review.

Goldlizsts,
Try them both..I would definitely lean towards the .7 volt input. I think you'll get a fuller sound going that route. You may be a canidate for the Promitheus tubed output stage if you're fond of the tube sound.

Thanks for the encouragement.  I'm inching closer, but I will have a chance to listen to Rollo's new (copper wired) version soon, so I will decide then.  I just read the Affordable Audio issue too.

[guest1632]

Ray, thanks again. I'll try that break-in method and see what happens.

Just wanted to say that I broke by having my CD on repeat - i.e playing and my amp turned off and the volume position 2 clicks from max and then occasionally  3 clicks from max. This is how it was recommended for me to do by other AC members in this thread. After ~ 365 hrs I noticed a considerable difference. Anyway, just my experience.

  - jaspal.

Hi Jaspal,

I've had this one for a week now? I think, and when not using it it is a couple clicks from max with it hooked up to a cheap DVD Protron DVD player. I have an old Linn 75 watter for the amp, and everyday it's sounding better and better. It sure doesn't sound dry to me. Other than tightening up the front switches and the RCAs connectors on the back, I haven't done any tweaking. It's sitting ontop of a box that my video card came in. It's just about the right size. My little system is not really set up well to hear imaging and such. It's the best I've ever heard these speakers.

Ray

[Affordable$$Audio]

Thanks for posting that we have the Promitheus TVC review.  The whole goal of A$$A is bring audio reviews back to the 95% who live with a normal budget.  As we move forward you will hopefully see more reviews of AC participating manufacturers.

[gooberdude]

The artist reviews that you're mag gives towards the end are great too.  Quite cool to pay respects
to those who aren't makin' music anymore.

Keep it up.

[wendell]

can't access review

[GHM]

can't access review

Try it through the site directly Affordable Audio.Org. For some reason my link has been blocked by the server. Go to the March 2007 reviews.

[jaspal kallar]

Hi Jaspal,

I've had this one for a week now? I think, and when not using it it is a couple clicks from max with it hooked up to a cheap DVD Protron DVD player. I have an old Linn 75 watter for the amp, and everyday it's sounding better and better. It sure doesn't sound dry to me. Other than tightening up the front switches and the RCAs connectors on the back, I haven't done any tweaking. It's sitting ontop of a box that my video card came in. It's just about the right size. My little system is not really set up well to hear imaging and such. It's the best I've ever heard these speakers.

Ray

Did you try the footers under your TVC? For me they made quite a difference. I would say another one and half weeks and you'll have reached the 350 hrs mark. Hopefully like me you will notice an even bigger improvement at that point. One question. To take off the front knobs do you have to open up the TVC?

   - jaspal.

[guest1632]

can't access review

Hi Wendell,

Go to:

www.affordableaudio.org

Right click on the March Issue, and save it. Read it with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Hope this helps.

Ray

[gooberdude]

Hey Jaspal,

What footers are you using now?   I've been listening with the cheaper 2" mapleshade ones, sounds great.

It helps to remove the lid when removing the knobs, especially the Source selector knob.  Its screwed into the chassis with a bracket, and if you put too much pressure on the bracket you might loosen
the screws.   When i installed the Ebony knobs I had to hold onto the source switch mount...it required a little force as the knobs hold was too small for the rod.

While you are doing this, you might try a couple of things...

Add some damping or isolation material in between the source switch mount and the chassis makes and audible improvement.  Also, replacing the 1/4" round metal rod that holds the Source Knob with a wooden one is a good idea, one i might tackle this weekend.  There's also a smaller rod on the volume knob...
Black Hole pad, EAR Isodamp, Deflex material would all probably work well to isolate the Selector switch mount.

Last, i'm now listening with the lid off my TVC...it seems to be a bit smoother, the black background is a bit blacker...


matt

[guest1632]

Hey Jaspal,

What footers are you using now?   I've been listening with the cheaper 2" mapleshade ones, sounds great.

It helps to remove the lid when removing the knobs, especially the Source selector knob.  Its screwed into the chassis with a bracket, and if you put too much pressure on the bracket you might loosen
the screws.   When i installed the Ebony knobs I had to hold onto the source switch mount...it required a little force as the knobs hold was too small for the rod.

While you are doing this, you might try a couple of things...

Add some damping or isolation material in between the source switch mount and the chassis makes and audible improvement.  Also, replacing the 1/4" round metal rod that holds the Source Knob with a wooden one is a good idea, one i might tackle this weekend.  There's also a smaller rod on the volume knob...
Black Hole pad, EAR Isodamp, Deflex material would all probably work well to isolate the Selector switch mount.

Last, i'm now listening with the lid off my TVC...it seems to be a bit smoother, the black background is a bit blacker...


matt

Hi Matt,

I wonder ... if maybe, replacing the top with a piece of smoked plexi glass. I've read about steel being a problem close to other electronic devices. I should say some metal like steel. Now, this could all just be voodoo. One little experiment you might try, is to take that steel top, and physically glue some carboard underneath the lid, made to fit the box. Or temp tape the cardboard on to the lid to see what happens. I might just pull the lid myself, and put the DVD player just on top of the screws. Maybe, go buy some foam rubber and stuff that in the box. Then put the lid back on. I think the key here is to deaden the top and bottom so they don't create any resonance freqs.

Ray

[gooberdude]

Hey Ray,

At this point i'm happy as a clam leaving the lid off.   My rack config gives me about 8" of vertical height.
With the TVC sitting on 2" high footers, a 3" tall maple plat and Isoblocks there's only a cm between the TVC top and the bottom of the shelf above.  Not much of an opening for dust or anything to get it, so i'm gonna leave it as is.

personally, i think a brass plate would be great on top.  i can make some for cheap, but haven't had the energy to get the project completed...like so many others!

I have to run to a hardware store this weekend, a few 1/4" dowels are on my list to replace the metal rods inside the TVC however...

If you really want to change or enhance the tone of your TVC consider footers, a thick tonewood plinth and Isoblocks.  Mapleshade's Ultimate Triplepoints really warm up the tone and enhance the 3-D airiness and stage presence on my wood bottomed TVC...    i'm using their less expesive footers with the flat tops now, but if i wanted 'the ultimate' the pointed top 2" footers work well with this TVC....they give it 'balls' so to speak IME & IMO & IMS (In my system).


matt

[acresm22]

Well, I'm taking the TVC plunge!  Bought a gently used one from another AC inmate this week, and it will arrive next Tuesday. Have been on the hunt for a good pre in my system (ASL AQ1005 300B amp driving LaScalas), and am hoping the TVC fits the bill nicely. I'll keep you posted...

Dan

[stereohifi]

Hi guys, i just order my TVC a Ref. mono balanced with the ebony knobs. I the mean time, i'm thinking of using a Shallco 23 positions switch with a remote control kit, just like BentAudio propose.
I will see what kind of modification it is before committing, and of course, appreciate my TVC first!
I saw a very nice projet from Ed Sawyer autoformer in a nice wood case made of zebrawood.
http://www.edsawyer.com/audiogallery/Slagle+autoformer/
I like to try to experiment with maple, and spruce, as these's woods are prone to musical instruments.
Regards...

[shep]

http://www.edsawyer.com/audiogallery/Slagle+autoformer/
Wow is that stuff ever pretty! expensive too I'd bet. Must sound heavenly

[anubisgrau]

a new element to the promitheus story made me thinking.... a TVC plus a tube active part together is now around $1000. if you add a price of a phono pre in case you may need it (as i do), you are coming to around $1600 or so (sorry i haven't checked a current price for a phono unit but remember it was around $500 ex-shipping).

so, $1600 and 5 boxes in the house, plus 2 extra cables.... not sure this sounds inviting to me. thanks but no thanks. for similar money i would rather go for a full function single chasis (or separate supply) unit on a secondhand market. for example mine EAR 864 (not a TVC, but a decent valve pre with transformer output and MM/MC stage) was paid around $1400 for a mint, 1-year old piece, with excellent resale value.

nick, if you read this, i really think you need to make a strategy for your business and some sort of business plan. idea of an active pre to complement TVC can be interesting to some people but not to everyone who bought a TVC. i think, if you are confident that a combo of a TVC and a tube active part is your definitive answer to the world of audio, you need to make 1 product out of that, to make an attractive chasis and good, ergonomic design. not all of us are natural born hi-fi tweakers and nerds, some of us like a simplicity and easy, plug'n'play products.

you also need to think about the price and to see what cuts are possible - i think that with a $1,000 tag it definitely can't be as attractive as a $340 only TVC. i know you can always produce for a niche market, specialists' specalists,  but i think you have a great talent and a good understadning of audio that you need to try to bring your products closer to more people than now, and to develop your business into something that will leave a greater impact on the hi-fi world.

hope you will understand i am writing this because of my wish for your success to grow much more than now.