[Whitese]

I am playing a SS vintage Hadley amp thru the TVC and its still phenomenal....

[gooberdude]

Incorporating the TVC successfully does require a bit of luck, or synergy, or mojo, or somethin.

Since purchasing it i've e-mailed off-site with a few other users who dig the TVC in their systems, but can't get it to work with their phono preamp, for example...  A few weeks back i demo'd a ridiculous set-up in which the TVC was not a welcome addition, but the owners tubed pre (that was made to match the tube monoblocks) was amazing.   For some systems, it may just be a hit or miss thing.   

if it works though, folks really seem to like it...me included of course.   Instead of a 'preference' issue, like SS vs. tubes, the love or hate for the TVC seems to stem around synergy.   whether it has to do with output voltage of the source, impedence or whatever...its gotta jive with the other components in a way i'm not used to with gear i've owned in the past.

[davetroy]

Count me as one of the people who likes it quite a bit. My setup is TVC, McCormack DNA 0.5 amp, Rotel 1072 CD player, Vandersteen 2ce Signature speakers. I had been using a Rotel 1062 integrated amp with the McCormack, and prior to that, the integrated amp as the pre and power. I discovered that going passive or TVC was the route for me when I used the Bolero Test (as suggested by Arthur Salvatore at www.high-endaudio.com). Basically, I connected my CD player directly to the amp, bypassing the integrated completely, and played Bolero from the start (it opens as low volume). I liked what I heard (the purity of the sound; the clarity; the feeling that a veil had been removed from the music) and the volume was much louder than I'm used to. So, I made the switch, and I'm glad I did. I have no basis for  comparison to other passives, TVCs or active pre-amps, but I do know this: I have experienced absolutely no loss of bass (and possibly some gain). My volume settings are fine (I usually play music at 10-12 o'clock, first time around on the clicks). The clarity is wonderful, and the TVC is especially good at operatic voices. It always seems as if the voicer is in front of the orchestra, rather than the other way around. Most importantly, that electric sound--that's the only way I can describe it--is gone. Now, I only play classical and opera (with a little bit of rock mixed in), and I don't like flavored music at all. Well, the TVC doesn't flavor the music.  And there are times when I'm startled by the clarity (as in, it actually makes me sit up and notice). By the way, when I put my ear to my speakers at minimum volume, I hear nothing. No buzz. Just black.

Prior to purchasing the TVC, I was thinking about adding a Vandersteen 2wq subwoofer to my system. I'm still thinking about it, but I'm not sure it's necessary anymore. Is anybody out there using the TVC with 2wqs? Any problems with hum?

As for tweaks, well, I must admit that I'm wary of tweaks. Maple racks? Ebony knobs? It all sounds like snake oil to me. I have my TVC on the cones that came with the unit. I'd like to hear about tweaks that people have tested in blind ABX tests. That would interest me, if there's any such thing out there.

Basically, I currently have no desire to add a passive pre to my system. Although I don't have a lot of experience with stereo equipment, I know what live classical and opera sounds like, and it sounds pretty close to what I have now with the TVC (although I'm sure I could improve the situation by upgrading my Vandersteens).

It doesn't surprise me that the McCormack-TVC combination is effective because McCormack makes several passive pres, so the synergy makes sense. What surprises me a little is that Vandersteen doesn't seem too thrilled about passives or TVCs on his website.

By the way, are there any TVC owners out there who have also owned the Morrison E.L.A.D. (or have heard both of them). What are your impressions?

Hope this wasn't too long-winded. It's my first post.

Dave

[guest1632]

Count me as one of the people who likes it quite a bit. My setup is TVC, McCormack DNA 0.5 amp, Rotel 1072 CD player, Vandersteen 2ce Signature speakers. I had been using a Rotel 1062 integrated amp with the McCormack, and prior to that, the integrated amp as the pre and power. I discovered that going passive or TVC was the route for me when I used the Bolero Test (as suggested by Arthur Salvatore at www.high-endaudio.com). Basically, I connected my CD player directly to the amp, bypassing the integrated completely, and played Bolero from the start (it opens as low volume). I liked what I heard (the purity of the sound; the clarity; the feeling that a veil had been removed from the music) and the volume was much louder than I'm used to. So, I made the switch, and I'm glad I did. I have no basis for  comparison to other passives, TVCs or active pre-amps, but I do know this: I have experienced absolutely no loss of bass (and possibly some gain). My volume settings are fine (I usually play music at 10-12 o'clock, first time around on the clicks). The clarity is wonderful, and the TVC is especially good at operatic  voices. It always seems as if the voicer is in front of the orchestra, rather than the other way around. Most importantly, that electric sound--that's the only way I can describe it--is gone. Now, I only play classical and opera (with a little bit of rock mixed in), and I don't like flavored music at all. Well, the TVC doesn't flavor the music.  And there are times when I'm startled by the clarity (as in, it actually makes me sit up and notice). By the way, when I put my ear to my speakers at minimum volume, I hear nothing. No buzz. Just black.

Prior to purchasing the TVC, I was thinking about adding a Vandersteen 2wq subwoofer to my system. I'm still thinking about it, but I'm not sure it's necessary anymore. Is anybody out there using the TVC with 2wqs? Any problems with hum?

As for tweaks, well, I must admit that I'm wary of tweaks. Maple racks? Ebony knobs? It all sounds like snake oil to me. I have my TVC on the cones that came with the unit. I'd like to hear about tweaks that people have tested in blind ABX tests. That would interest me, if there's any such thing out there.

Basically, I currently have no desire to add a passive pre to my system. Although I don't have a lot of experience with stereo equipment, I know what live classical and opera sounds like, and it sounds pretty close to what I have now with the TVC (although I'm sure I could improve the situation by upgrading my Vandersteens).

It doesn't surprise me that the McCormack-TVC combination is effective because McCormack makes several passive pres, so the synergy makes sense. What surprises me a little is that Vandersteen doesn't seem too thrilled about passives or TVCs on his website.

By the way, are there any TVC owners out there who have also owned the Morrison E.L.A.D. (or have heard both of them). What are your impressions?

Hope this wasn't too long-winded. It's my first post.

Dave

Hi Dave, and welcome to the thread.

Which config of the TVC do you have?

Ray

[davetroy]

Thanks.

REF2. RCA inputs and outputs. Single volume control. Purchased in January. Steel plates top and bottom.

[guest1632]

Thanks.

REF2. RCA inputs and outputs. Single volume control. Purchased in January. Steel plates top and bottom.

Hi again, Ok, here's a simple tweak that won't cost you anything, except for your time. If you have circular head screws on the bottom plate holding the plate on to the wooden frame, try this idea. Take those out 2 at a time, and switch them with the ones holding down the top cover. The ones on the top cover should have flat screw heads countersunk using finishing washers. Swap all four sets of each type. Make sure you tighten down the ones on the bottom plate. That will help to deaden that plate a little more. Try that one tweak and see what happens.

Ray

[rollo]

Hey Guys,
                Back from vacation, boy have you all been busy tweaking away.
    The TVC can drive subs directly without any problems. The only issue is the input sensitivity of the amp for the sub. If it is too high you will need to dial in the volume control to match if you run main speakers full range without crossover. If you use a crossover you may encounter volume matching problems if not supplied with volume adjustments.
        I run a single sub with 5 mtr. ICs and 5mtr. ICs to amps with great success. the addition of the sub did not add hum. I am looking for another M&K D125 sub to run one for each channel. I used 2 different brands before with the active preamp and all was fine. When the TVC was inserted the transparency of the TVC brought out the mismatch between the two. Although the improvement in bass was evident with only one sub and TVC, I miss the weight and slam of the two subs. If can run dual subs go for it and you will not turn back.

  rollo

[analogmart]

Hi Rollo,
From what you say is what I will set it up in near future.
I've planned to use TVC with NHT T6 system which has an active crossover in signal
route before speakers. I hope it does not have any matching issues in this setup. 

[rollo]

Good morning all,
         
           Well, the dual mono reference[two box] unit was shipped and I should receive it shortly. The final configuration is with Neotech 7N copper output wiring and double run silver for inputs. The trannies are grounded to a grounding post and the silver buss es were eliminated. I opted for a single input dual output unit to eliminate any switches in the signal path. For me one input works as I can change ICs as the mood strikes for vinyl or CD. The TVC will come with the ebony cones and knobs.
          When the new unit is broken in for 400Hrs I will compare to single box ref with silver wiring. The ebony cones should work out well and I will test them against the original wood footers on both units.
           I will be receiving the active preamp and energizer in about 10 days for evaluation. The energizer will go up against a Richard Grey 400 which is a similar device.
           Let the fun begin, can't wait. By the way I changed the output tube on my amp to RCA 805 which replaced a GE 211 to add some richness to the presentation. The result was positive adding midrange magic to the clarity of the TVC as well as an overall organic feel.
           After living with the TVC for 3 months or so I have come to the conclusion that it is a neutral unit that can be tweaked to provide more information with out sacrificing the clarity. If you really want to change the flavor of your presentation look at your front end or tubes for your amp. They will make more of an impact than changing cables or footers.
           You can really bring your system to another level by playing around with your source or amp to achieve the synergy  and sound YOU WANT. You will hear every change made at the source with the TVC in place. You will hear what your source is really capable of for the first time. Fine tuning the source is the best way of getting what you want. Tweaking the TVC itself will bring some refinement as we have found but again the source and amp will have more of an impact on the overall sound.
          rollo

[Paul_Bui]

Hi everyone,

I got a dual mono TVC (ref3) from Gymane yesterday, and today I wanted to say, "I love it!".  I slept less last night, I skipped lunch today, I wanted to find excuses to quit working just to stay home and listen to music.  This is a pretty new unbroken in unit, but I find all positive comments GHM and others said about this wonderful piece true to my ears.  Nicholas has done something special.         

Happy listening!   

[tyee]

Does anyone know if I can use both RCA and XLR Balanced outputs together at the same time, on the balanced version of the TVC.

I want to feed my Power amp with the RCAs and my sub with the XLR Balanced, but I will short pins 1 and 3 together externally on my cable so it acts like unbalanced into the sub.

[GHM]

Hi everyone,

I got a dual mono TVC (ref3) from Gymane yesterday, and today I wanted to say, "I love it!".  I slept less last night, I skipped lunch today, I wanted to find excuses to quit working just to stay home and listen to music.  This is a pretty new unbroken in unit, but I find all positive comments GHM and others said about this wonderful piece true to my ears.  Nicholas has done something special.         

Happy listening!   

  Paul glad you like the TVC. I had a feeling you would since we use almost the very same setups!  I wish I had an definitive answer for you Tyee . I would think it could work, but I have no real experience using the balanced version.

I have ordered the ebony knobs for my TVC, solely because of their looks and the fact that it should be easier to see which source and volume level is selected. I very much doubt that they have any sonic effects at all, but time will tell.

I don't quite get why some of you would add an active tubeamp to a system based around this TVC. Compared to my active, ss based preamp (a Hegel P4A) the TVC has more body and a "fatter" sound - kind of like some of the tube pre's I have listened to. If the system sounds thin/bright/lightweight with this TVC in place, I would rather start looking at speaker vs. room interactions or other components in the system. If your speakers (the single most important source of colorations and distortion!) are fairly balanced and the amp operates within its power envelope, what you basically hear is the system's source. In my view, it would be better to save up for a higher quality source which plays according to ones personal taste, than to add another source of coloration (the tube pre).

Am I way out of line?

edit: Just to clarify, I do prefer the TVC over my active pre amp. It differentiates choir voices better, and brass instruments sound more like the real thing. For the money, this is a winner.

Stereojoe nailed it on the source. The music starts at the source. No matter what you have down stream. You can't recover what isn't there from the beginning. I still find it hard to believe the bass I get using the passive. It is clean,deep and rolls off naturally as it should.

As said previously, if your bass is inadequate with the TVC you best look else where, as the problem is at the source or the speakers most likely. I know some actives attenuate certain parts of the music to give you that WOW factor. When it is taken away.. it can be a shock. Put the right components together and you'll discover everything comes through as it should.


Good listening

[rollo]

I have ordered the ebony knobs for my TVC, solely because of their looks and the fact that it should be easier to see which source and volume level is selected. I very much doubt that they have any sonic effects at all, but time will tell.

I don't quite get why some of you would add an active tubeamp to a system based around this TVC. Compared to my active, ss based preamp (a Hegel P4A) the TVC has more body and a "fatter" sound - kind of like some of the tube pre's I have listened to. If the system sounds thin/bright/lightweight with this TVC in place, I would rather start looking at speaker vs. room interactions or other components in the system. If your speakers (the single most important source of colorations and distortion!) are fairly balanced and the amp operates within its power envelope, what you basically hear is the system's source. In my view, it would be better to save up for a higher quality source which plays according to ones personal taste, than to add another source of coloration (the tube pre).

Am I way out of line?

edit: Just to clarify, I do prefer the TVC over my active pre amp. It differentiates choir voices better, and brass instruments sound more like the real thing. For the money, this is a winner.

Sterojoe,
             Yes Joe the source and speakers are key to a fine system. however the addition of a tubed buffer stage[active pre] will enhance the TVCs performance. The active will add additional bloom, air and that organic touch that solid state just cannot offer. If you have not experienced a state of the art preamp in your system you will never know what is truly possible. If distorsion was the only parameter then just buy a SS receiver from Japan say Sony, Marantz or Denon. They all have record low distortion levels but sound OK. The distortion of tubed equip is second order harmonic and actually with SETs sounds quite good.
             The addition of the tubed buffer, when all else is good will bring the sound to a more natural venue. Until you have tried it don't knock it. The addition of the buffer, gain stage will allow for use of a phono stage without the need of a step up transformer for some users as well.
             The main feature of the TVC is the transformer based volume control in lieu of resistor based volume control. So combining both gives best of both worlds IMO. I think that Nicholas is spot on with the active stage and TVC combo.
             Try one for 30 days and if not convinced send it back, but I think you won't.
rollo

[guest1632]

Good morning all,
         
           Well, the dual mono reference[two box] unit was shipped and I should receive it shortly. The final configuration is with Neotech 7N copper output wiring and double run silver for inputs. The trannies are grounded to a grounding post and the silver buss es were eliminated. I opted for a single input dual output unit to eliminate any switches in the signal path. For me one input works as I can change ICs as the mood strikes for vinyl or CD. The TVC will come with the ebony cones and knobs.
          When the new unit is broken in for 400Hrs I will compare to single box ref with silver wiring. The ebony cones should work out well and I will test them against the original wood footers on both units.
           I will be receiving the active preamp and energizer in about 10 days for evaluation. The energizer will go up against a Richard Grey 400 which is a similar device.
           Let the fun begin, can't wait. By the way I changed the output tube on my amp to RCA 805 which replaced a GE 211 to add some richness to the presentation. The result was positive adding midrange magic to the clarity of the TVC as well as an overall organic feel.
           After living with the TVC for 3 months or so I have come to the conclusion that it is a neutral unit that can be tweaked to provide more information with out sacrificing the clarity. If you really want to change the flavor of your presentation look at your front end or tubes for your amp. They will make more of an impact than changing cables or footers.
           You can really bring your system to another level by playing around with your source or amp to achieve the synergy  and sound YOU WANT. You will hear every change made at the source with the TVC in place. You will hear what your source is really capable of for the first time. Fine tuning the source is the best way of getting what you want. Tweaking the TVC itself will bring some refinement as we have found but again the source and amp will have more of an impact on the overall sound.
          rollo

Hi Rollo,

Actually, I'm interested in the schematic of the new unit. I too would like to get rid of the bus. So I'd like some info as to the hows and whats.

Ray

[rollo]

Hey Ray,
            When I receive the new unit I'll take some pictures and post them, if I can figure out how. Nichcolas posted pictures of the new unit a ways back in the thread.
   rollo

[guest1632]

Hey Ray,
            When I receive the new unit I'll take some pictures and post them, if I can figure out how. Nichcolas posted pictures of the new unit a ways back in the thread.
   rollo

Hey Rollo,

That sounds really good for those who can see the pics. lol. I'd have to ask you for a verbal description.

Regards,
Ray

[Randy]

tyee,
  For a while I used my balanced TVC with a subwoofer, though I used the XlR into my amps for the main speakers and the RCA for the subwoofer.  Worked great.  You should have no trouble.  BTW, I sold my sub when I found that the TVC gave me all the bass I wanted from my main speakers.

[rollo]

Hey Ray,
            When I receive the new unit I'll take some pictures and post them, if I can figure out how. Nicholas posted pictures of the new unit a ways back in the thread.
   rollo

Hey Rollo,

That sounds really good for those who can see the pics. lol. I'd have to ask you for a verbal description.

Regards,
Ray

Ray,
        Sorry Ray just did remember your situation. You must have some serious hearing though. I'll post a description when I figure out what Nicholas did.
rollo

[tyee]

Randy
  Thanks for the info. Do you think it's really worth it to get the balanced version? In price I think it's $20 more, which is minimal, but in functionality I wonder if I'll ever get a balanced input power amp?

Do you know if the internal wiring is the same as the unbalanced version. From the website, I doesn't sound like it is. The unbalanced version seems to have silver wiring while the balanced version doesn't?? Not sure, are you?

tyee

[guest1632]

Hey Ray,
            When I receive the new unit I'll take some pictures and post them, if I can figure out how. Nicholas posted pictures of the new unit a ways back in the thread.
   rollo

Hey Rollo,

That sounds really good for those who can see the pics. lol. I'd have to ask you for a verbal description.

Regards,
Ray

Ray,
        Sorry Ray just did remember your situation. You must have some serious hearing though. I'll post a description when I figure out what Nicholas did.
rollo

Hi Rollo,

Serious hearing, nah man, because of a pop gun and my older brother firing it in my left ear, last hearing test, at least 60 DB down above 3K. So I miss some of the imaging ques. The brain compensates for most of the loss.

Regards,
Ray