[rollo]

Rayd,
          Welcome aboard the good ship Promitheus. Happy listening.

   rollo

[Paul_Bui]

Rayd,

Congratulations, and very nice picture.  Your CAL combo reminds me of mine a few years back.  I still have a pair of SV83 monoblocks.  You will find more tweaks that further improve the TVC and CAL DAC.  Removing the top lid is one of them.   

[guest1632]

Rayd,

Congratulations, and very nice picture.  Your CAL combo reminds me of mine a few years back.  I still have a pair of SV83 monoblocks.  You will find more tweaks that further improve the TVC and CAL DAC.  Removing the top lid is one of them.   

Hi,

That depends on the setup. I am using an old box for my video card, which just happens to be the same size as the Promitheus box. I removed the lid. Everything got grainier. This also could be because I never got any feet with mine. So I had to improvise. But try it, it may work for you just fine.

Ray

[rayd]

Thanks Rollo!

Paul, thanks for the tip. I do remember you from the Decware boards a few years back. The monos are very nice amps. I had a chance to hear Den's monos before he sold them. Yes, the CAL stuff is a bit dated technology-wise. Bought mine used off AgoN last year but they do sound nice. Lot's of stuff to roll on the DAC - 12AX7's, coax, balanced, and glass wires.

I've heard about the lid removal trick. My place gets dusty quickly so I would imagine placing a dust cover over it of some sort between listening sessions. I'll probably keep it stock during the burn-in, then see what my fingers can do for tweaks without ruining anything in there later on.

- Ray

[Paul_Bui]

Ray and rayd,

I agree with both of you.  If dust and interference would be an issue, then by all means stay with the stock form.  The TVC still sounds darn good anyway.  Last night I set the volume knob at 9:30 - 10 detent, yet the bass alone was so profound that could fool anyone to think there's a subwoofer in the system.

[rayd]

Because I like to listen at low to moderate volumes and live in a townhome with neighbors on either side - I am also using mine w/o a sub and get plenty of bass from my MTM's (95db/1w/1m). Listened to some Bill Evans and Diana Krall yesterday. Acoustic bass and piano sounded more realisitic and natural although not as relaxed because of the break-in blues  I forgot I still had EL84's in the Zen before introducing the TVC. I will pop-in some military SV83's in hope it will open things a bit more for me.... the journey continues...

- Ray

[1000a]

OK

I can't take it anymore, been reading up on Nick's stuff alot-can't see strait.  and I am getting very confused as to what I can and can't do

Back on page 143 one poster mentioned he ran the TVC- Tamp- to spkrs.

Can I run: 

SB3>>DAC (w vol control)>>TVC>>Jolida Integrated (active pre & amp)>>spkrs?
If this can be done do I gain anything from the TVC?
Also I put a sub out on the integrated, can that still be used?

Please excuse my iqnorance as I said I feel confused, since I am reading about people placing his TVC in front of his active, I assume I can run the TVC in front of my integrated amp.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[StereoJoe]

Hi guys,

just a quick question for you: My TVC has a toggle switch in its rear right corner. I understand this is a polarity switch for the outputs? At which setting does it invert polarity; the up or down position?

Regards

[gooberdude]

Hey Guys,

I asked Nick about using a Jolida tube integrated in-line with the TVC, similar to how I ran the Trends TA 10.1 with it.   Nick thinks there might be something special between the Trends and the TVC, and more importantly, that having 2 volume knobs in the signal path is a bad idea.   

In other words, the Trends synergy might be a bit of a fluke BUT that shouldn't keep anyone from experimenting with an integrated amp.  just always be conscious of the volume levels so nothing goes BOOM.  IF there is a T-amp that puts out a deeeeep & wide soundstage, it might be the perfect fit for this TVC.

I just bought a cheap tube amp to go with the TVC and Hawthorne SI's but it was difficult to find anything that didn't have a volume knob for under $1500.  there's all sorts of tube integrateds that are much cheaper though.

I don't know anything about a polarity switch, but do know you can switch between sources from the rear now, rather than a separate knob on the front.    Typically DAC's have polarity switches...


GD

[PromitheusAudio]

OK

I can't take it anymore, been reading up on Nick's stuff alot-can't see strait.  and I am getting very confused as to what I can and can't do

Back on page 143 one poster mentioned he ran the TVC- Tamp- to spkrs.

Can I run: 

SB3>>DAC (w vol control)>>TVC>>Jolida Integrated (active pre & amp)>>spkrs?
If this can be done do I gain anything from the TVC?
Also I put a sub out on the integrated, can that still be used?

Please excuse my iqnorance as I said I feel confused, since I am reading about people placing his TVC in front of his active, I assume I can run the TVC in front of my integrated amp.

Thanks in advance for any help.

WHen using the TVC, you can use it as
CDP-->TVC--->Intergrated amp
CDP--->DAC w/volume---> Amp or intergrated
Simple where you can use a the tvc used it. It always sounds better even when i tested putting it between the cdp and a intergrated Lavardin amp. BUt if you can remove a volume stage the sound would be better again. It was a quite an improving when putting in between an intergrated amp

[PromitheusAudio]

Hi guys,

just a quick question for you: My TVC has a toggle switch in its rear right corner. I understand this is a polarity switch for the outputs? At which setting does it invert polarity; the up or down position?

Regards

at the moment , how are you playing it? up or down?

Cheers
nicholas

[StereoJoe]

at the moment , how are you playing it? up or down?

Cheers
nicholas

At the moment I'm listening with the switch in down position. It's hard to tell the two positions apart soundwise, but I believe I prefer playing with the switch downwards...

Regards,

[rollo]

Sterojoe,
               If this is a invert polarity switch try listening both ways. When the bass is more focused and the top end smoother with better imaging the polarity is correct. Voices will have less or NO sibilance when polarity is correct as well. There is a definite difference you just need to know what to listen for to determine correct polarity. To take it a step further you will find that for most Cds the odd numbered tracks are inverted and the even numbered tracks noninverted [ No I am not crazy ]. I was told this by a CD Manf. and I and many have found it to be valid. If your system sounds more in focus with tighter bass and no sibilance with odd numbered tracks [switch in noninverted position]
, then for you its the correct polarity [ odd numbered] if it sounds better with even numbered tracks then  opposite of what I said before. 
     Just listen and you will be able to tell. If not, you are not sensitive to polarity position.

rollo

[gooberdude]

Hey Rollo,

thanks so much for the suggestion a while back to line the TVC transformers with Black Hole Pad.  its easily the best tvc tweak i've done short of the coupling & vibration damping stand.

If anyone wants to try this, it'll cost you a strip of Black Hole Pad about 1" wide x 12" long.  Cut it into 6 pieces and stick 'em on the three sides of the transformer casings.

I had to relocate the ground wires to the little lips on the bottom (that have the screwholes) but it took about 2 minutes.

No joke, this is the equivalent to a major power cable upgrade, its hysterical.  Loads more tuneful bass,  detail retrieval. 

It took 30 seconds to burn this tweak in & its reversible.  i removed some 2 minutes after application, not a problem...just be careful.  its a great damping material so far.  extremely musical.

the soundstage just lept back, to the side & up a bit.  imaging and all the 3-D effects took a big 'ol leap forward.

If i take this one step further it'll be to add a layer under each transformer but a sandwich of 2 pieces might work best.  i'm thinking of using spray ahdesive to attach two pieces of BH pad together so their adhesive is facing out, then stick one side to the chassis bottom, and the other to the tranny.    of course for travel or shipping i'd have the screws in.

this is one of those tweaks where the previous ones all click together -  stupid fun!!   

the improvement in the bass dept is nuts, my Imod just ran through 2 songs on a Kayne West LP...so sick.  Voices are real'er...whatever that means.  inflections in voices are prevalent, the whole drum kit is about lifesize & its all pleasant & sweet.

YMMV but it's worth grabbing some BH pad.

thanks F-100!   hopefully your results are positive as well.


matt

[guest1632]

Hey Rollo,

thanks so much for the suggestion a while back to line the TVC transformers with Black Hole Pad.  its easily the best tvc tweak i've done short of the coupling & vibration damping stand.

If anyone wants to try this, it'll cost you a strip of Black Hole Pad about 1" wide x 12" long.  Cut it into 6 pieces and stick 'em on the three sides of the transformer casings.

I had to relocate the ground wires to the little lips on the bottom (that have the screwholes) but it took about 2 minutes.

No joke, this is the equivalent to a major power cable upgrade, its hysterical.  Loads more tuneful bass,  detail retrieval. 

It took 30 seconds to burn this tweak in & its reversible.  i removed some 2 minutes after application, not a problem...just be careful.  its a great damping material so far.  extremely musical.

the soundstage just lept back, to the side & up a bit.  imaging and all the 3-D effects took a big 'ol leap forward.

If i take this one step further it'll be to add a layer under each transformer but a sandwich of 2 pieces might work best.  i'm thinking of using spray ahdesive to attach two pieces of BH pad together so their adhesive is facing out, then stick one side to the chassis bottom, and the other to the tranny.    of course for travel or shipping i'd have the screws in.

this is one of those tweaks where the previous ones all click together -  stupid fun!!   

the improvement in the bass dept is nuts, my Imod just ran through 2 songs on a Kayne West LP...so sick.  Voices are real'er...whatever that means.  inflections in voices are prevalent, the whole drum kit is about lifesize & its all pleasant & sweet.

YMMV but it's worth grabbing some BH pad.

thanks F-100!   hopefully your results are positive as well.


matt

Hi Matt,

Where do you get the Black Hole padding?

Ray

[Jim N.]

The Black Hole Padding is sold by Speaker City.

I use the Dayton sheets from Parts Express to dampen chassis:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=268-030

[gooberdude]

There's a mail order firm out of Cali that sells them too, just google search Black Hole Pad.  This a $20 tweak, i think the sheets are $12 + shipping..

Over the last hour my TVC mount has settled & the sytem is warmed up - this tweak is amazing.

I have new Hawthorne SI's that are still breaking in but i've been listening to them all night at quite loud volumes, something i couldn't do before.   I figured my Muse was just pooping out when the knob got too 3 or 4 oclock (Imod is a 1v signal), but now i've been past that point & the sound is ridiculously sublime at every click.  it seems like the SI's now put out a lower octave than before, probably just how i interpret the change, but its bad-ass to say the least.

i purchased a plate amp to mate with a pair of Auggie's - don't think that's gonna happen now.  The SI's have essentially been like having a gigantic midrange driver + compression driver.   Now, tonight, they sound like 15's.

this is 'the one' for me & my TVC

GD

[1000a]

Gooberdude said:

I asked Nick about using a Jolida tube integrated in-line with the TVC, similar to how I ran the Trends TA 10.1 with it.   Nick thinks there might be something special between the Trends and the TVC, and more importantly, that having 2 volume knobs in the signal path is a bad idea.

Nick said:

WHen using the TVC, you can use it as
CDP-->TVC--->Intergrated amp
CDP--->DAC w/volume---> Amp or intergrated
Simple where you can use a the tvc used it. It always sounds better even when i tested putting it between the cdp and a intergrated Lavardin amp. BUt if you can remove a volume stage the sound would be better again. It was a quite an improving when putting in between an intergrated amp

Thanks guys

I believe I get it - 2 volume controlls in line is doable but not 3, correct?  Using 2, be careful.  Getting it down to 1 volume controll (the TVC) would be ideal?

Nick, I am considering trying your DAC hopefully the one with the tube, I am excitedly waiting to hear some reports on these really really soon on this forum!!  Nick, when will the tube DAC be available?  Has anyone heard the non-tubed version yet?

Can the volume knob on a Jolida be disconnected easily (local audio shop endevor), or is it a Response Audio sort of job?

#s on the curent pieces, if that changes anything
(Birdland DAC):
vol at 12:00 is .5volt   -  vol full is 3.4 volt

(Jolida):
Input Impedance: 100Kohms
Input Sensitivity: 500mV at 1KHz and 8 ohms for 100 watt output

If I am not willing to buy a power amp is chasing the TVC a low percentage gain in improvement in sound?  Sticking with the Jolida sans the vol controll will I still be able to use an active sub?

Any feed back would be helpful, thanks again


 

[PromitheusAudio]

There's a mail order firm out of Cali that sells them too, just google search Black Hole Pad.  This a $20 tweak, i think the sheets are $12 + shipping..

Over the last hour my TVC mount has settled & the sytem is warmed up - this tweak is amazing.

I have new Hawthorne SI's that are still breaking in but i've been listening to them all night at quite loud volumes, something i couldn't do before.   I figured my Muse was just pooping out when the knob got too 3 or 4 oclock (Imod is a 1v signal), but now i've been past that point & the sound is ridiculously sublime at every click.  it seems like the SI's now put out a lower octave than before, probably just how i interpret the change, but its bad-ass to say the least.

i purchased a plate amp to mate with a pair of Auggie's - don't think that's gonna happen now.  The SI's have essentially been like having a gigantic midrange driver + compression driver.   Now, tonight, they sound like 15's.

this is 'the one' for me & my TVC

GD

GD
My friend bought a set of hawthorne too, and i was showing him the do and don'ts of open baffle and stuff. Then i also showed him the home made room lenz and i told him he had to built it by demostrating the usage of room lenz by taking it out and away. the sound was totally flat without the room lenz . I place the room lenz behind my speaker. Please consider to make one pair of this room lenz. It so so important for open baffles. its easy to do anyway

Cheers
nicholas

[PromitheusAudio]

Gooberdude said:

I asked Nick about using a Jolida tube integrated in-line with the TVC, similar to how I ran the Trends TA 10.1 with it.   Nick thinks there might be something special between the Trends and the TVC, and more importantly, that having 2 volume knobs in the signal path is a bad idea.

Nick said:

WHen using the TVC, you can use it as
CDP-->TVC--->Intergrated amp
CDP--->DAC w/volume---> Amp or intergrated
Simple where you can use a the tvc used it. It always sounds better even when i tested putting it between the cdp and a intergrated Lavardin amp. BUt if you can remove a volume stage the sound would be better again. It was a quite an improving when putting in between an intergrated amp

Thanks guys

I believe I get it - 2 volume controlls in line is doable but not 3, correct?  Using 2, be careful.  Getting it down to 1 volume controll (the TVC) would be ideal?

Nick, I am considering trying your DAC hopefully the one with the tube, I am excitedly waiting to hear some reports on these really really soon on this forum!!  Nick, when will the tube DAC be available?  Has anyone heard the non-tubed version yet?

Can the volume knob on a Jolida be disconnected easily (local audio shop endevor), or is it a Response Audio sort of job?

#s on the curent pieces, if that changes anything
(Birdland DAC):
vol at 12:00 is .5volt   -  vol full is 3.4 volt

(Jolida):
Input Impedance: 100Kohms
Input Sensitivity: 500mV at 1KHz and 8 ohms for 100 watt output

If I am not willing to buy a power amp is chasing the TVC a low percentage gain in improvement in sound?  Sticking with the Jolida sans the vol controll will I still be able to use an active sub?

Any feed back would be helpful, thanks again


 

Actually if you are using already 2 volume settings adding the tvc would make a sizeable difference too. But what i meant was from the same setup, you can slowly do away from the volume controls would be better.

Coming back to the lavarding setup
It was playing thru a accuphase cdp with variable gain control(first volume control)
Going thru to a lavardin intergrated setup (2nd volume control)
Then when i put the tvc between the cdp and the amp (3rd volume control)
Even then the sound difference was alot.

to do away the volume knob is easy something a normal hifi shop can do.

the tube dac is already available doing our first unit up. Just did not load the pictures yet on the page

Cheers
nicholas