Promitheus TVC passive preamp anyone?

dgotlse · « **Reply #1620 on:** 7 May 2007, 06:26 pm »

Hi,

I second Nels Ferré's post.

I'm French and I ordered a Ref4 (dual mono with xlrs and Rcas) last week. Since I've read your opinions regarding the double box version, I've tried to reach Nicholas to cancel my order and place another one for a dual mono double box before the ref4 is shipped.

In spite of three emails, I don't have any input from him back yet. It would be a pity to receive my ref4 without a chance to change it for a dual mono as I'm conviced of its superiority.

Should you, Nick, read this post, please,email or pm me (Didier)

gooberdude · « **Reply #1621 on:** 7 May 2007, 06:30 pm »

I think it would be great if the information on Promi's website was updated with better English text. Sometime's its hard to understand exactly what Nick is explaining. this is my view though (being from the U.S.) and Nick may sell a lot more of his products overseas than here....

how about Promitheus T-shirts or stickers???

My one serious suggestion: How about Roadshow's??? many folks in the U.S. would like to try Nick's products even if they could only use them for a few days & send them along... His amps, the active pre, cabling, phono preamp, etc...

i'd bet quite a few TVC owners would become repeat buyers if they knew how the other gear performed...

Nick's interview is really interesting. Most of what he states he told me way back in August of last year. Good thing all the work & press hasn't changed his attitude toward Promitheus' mission.

Did i read in that interview somewhere that Promitheus might come out with a CDP???

F-100 · « **Reply #1622 on:** 7 May 2007, 06:56 pm »

Quote from: rollo on 7 May 2007, 05:29 pm

Nels,
Communication is paramount and always an ongoing issue. Nels presents some valid points and I second his thoughts. Remember we are not criticizing Promitheus just providing input as to what the customer sees as important.
Thanks Nels for getting the ball rolling. C'mon guys I know you have some input as well.
rollo

IMO, customer support from Promitheous can be improved. I'd sent several email and even posted a question on this forum asking how to upgrade the volume pot on one of my older TVC (Yes, I have 3 TVC in my house

) but no reply so far. I'm aware that Nick is a busy person but he need to make this a high priority if he want to thrive in this business.

Just my .02

PromitheusAudio · « **Reply #1623 on:** 8 May 2007, 12:27 am »

Thank you for your comments, the nessecary steps have been taken towards improving on your comments. That's means me have to answer faster

Currently it just me, who answer emails and does the designs and does the final test. So sometimes my mind tends to forget things and you are holding on to too much to do, sorry about this.

micasso3 · « **Reply #1624 on:** 8 May 2007, 01:11 am »

Came across this website almost a year ago and after hearing some good comments from forumers, decided to get one (TVC). I was very happy with the Passive Preamp until Nick came out with his Active Tube Pre, that’s when my upgraditus? strikes again.

Like anubisgrau, rollo’s review was too good to be true, feeling at the same time, a little skeptical how this TVC which is already so good, could be further improved upon by adding another gear in the signal path.

Anyway, I asked Nick for a home trial and was bowled over after barely 20 hours of tweaking and cable swopping. This Preamp, has by far given me the most satisfaction. Coming from a solid state guy, I have always hesitated, with regards to going tube. Now I have the best of both worlds, a tube pre that gives me all the dynamics, detail and sweetness, and the power and control of SS.

This tube pre has the sweetness and tonality that makes vocal and saxophone so real and sexy/saxy, but it can also give me the creeps when I cranked up the volume. But most of all it brings back the soul of music, which is somewhat lacking in the passive TVC.

Cheers
Mike

F-100 · « **Reply #1625 on:** 8 May 2007, 01:43 am »

Quote from: PromitheusAudio on 8 May 2007, 12:27 am

Thank you for your comments, the nessecary steps have been taken towards improving on your comments. That's means me have to answer faster

Currently it just me, who answer emails and does the designs and does the final test. So sometimes my mind tends to forget things and you are holding on to too much to do, sorry about this.

Nick,
I got your email a while ago. Thanks for taking time off your busy schedule to answer my question.

denjo · « **Reply #1626 on:** 8 May 2007, 01:55 am »

I have been reading this thread with great interest, especially with the addition of Nick's active tube pre. I have a few questions:

With the TVC in the chain, the signal goes through the TVC into the active pre but the volume is controlled via the TVC. If the signal goes through the active tube pre with built in volume control, I guess whether you will get the same sound would depend very much on the quality of the pre volume pot. If a resistor type potentiometer is used (like the Alps or TKD's topflight), as opposed to a TVC volume pot, I suppose the latter will (should) sound more transparent. If so, Nick's active tube pre (used in combination with his TVC) is perhaps the first (at least to my knowledge) active tube pre with TVC volume control!! I am interested because I use Bent Audio's TAP silver TVC and although I am very happy with the music that flows (especially when powered by Sanders new ESL amp), there might be occasions when I might want a bit more soul without compromising the transparency.

My next question is to do with dynamic headroom. How much do you have to crank the TVC volume in order to get a satisfactory volume?

Best Regards
Dennis

PromitheusAudio · « **Reply #1627 on:** 8 May 2007, 02:17 am »

F-100

No problem at the back of mind i remember reading one your emails. BUt somehow from there to just now seems vague. I occasionally forget things due to either to the numerous work or the solder fumes. So just buzz me to remind me would be great

On the active preamp, it will start the tour off in Georgia. Sending out the active preamp tomorrow. First off will be to Frederick Washington and i guess gymnae will pop by(like your new avatar, you old one was gave me headache). The rest who would like to have a go at the unit let me know so that i can arrange the transportation from there once frederick is done.

Cheers
nicholas

PromitheusAudio · « **Reply #1628 on:** 8 May 2007, 02:23 am »

Our active preamp does not come with its own volume control. Only if you need additional volume control do we add it in. Hence the essence of the tvc is preserve. Plus our active preamp has so few parts, in the signal part 4 resistors, 2 capacitors,2 tubes and most important our output transformer. TO me i find less is better to maintain the signal signature

I must stress that the active preamp in my usage 106 db is never about gain. Its about soul and the completion of the picture like what rollo and mike have mention.

On the transparency issues the active preamp is voice neutral so that the essence or the sonics of the tvc is clearly heard. Actually the active preamp is just the same TVC sound with just the balls. The balls makes the music better as you do not have to turn up louder to compensate for the body and the satisfactory volume. Satisfactory in my case to compensate for the loss of body and drive. Turn in up the volume helps a bit in body and drive

GHM · « **Reply #1629 on:** 8 May 2007, 02:32 am »

Quote from: PromitheusAudio link=topic=31621.msg#msg date=

F-100

No problem at the back of mind i remember reading one your emails. BUt somehow from there to just now seems vague. I occasionally forget things due to either to the numerous work or the solder fumes. So just buzz me to remind me would be great

On the active preamp, it will start the tour off in Georgia. Sending out the active preamp tomorrow. First off will be to Frederick Washington and i guess gymnae will pop by(like your new avatar, you old one was gave me headache). The rest who would like to have a go at the unit let me know so that i can arrange the transportation from there once frederick is done.

Cheers
nicholas

I look forward to hearing the active Nick. What.. you don't like Dave Chappelle?

You must have spent too much time staring at the avatar Nick.

I had to give my little brother(not so little anymore) some air time. He deserves it.

I'm sure earlyB and a few others will get a listen here as well. There are quite a few of us in Georgia that own the Promitheus TVC.

tanchiro58 · « **Reply #1630 on:** 8 May 2007, 05:10 am »

Quote

The rest who would like to have a go at the unit let me know

Nick,

Count me in your list for the active preamp. Thanks in advance.

Tan

F-100 · « **Reply #1631 on:** 8 May 2007, 05:15 am »

Quote from: tanchiro58 on 8 May 2007, 05:10 am

Quote
The rest who would like to have a go at the unit let me know

Nick,

Count me in your list for the active preamp. Thanks in advance.

Tan

Nick,
Please put me on the audition list also. Thanks

launche · « **Reply #1632 on:** 8 May 2007, 09:31 am »

Quote from: F-100 on 8 May 2007, 05:15 am

Quote from: tanchiro58 on 8 May 2007, 05:10 am
Quote
The rest who would like to have a go at the unit let me know

Nick,

Count me in your list for the active preamp. Thanks in advance.

Tan

Nick,
Please put me on the audition list also. Thanks

Put me on the audition list for the Active Preamp Nick, since it's gonna be in my neck of the woods.

Thanks

Early B. · « **Reply #1633 on:** 8 May 2007, 11:52 am »

Quote from: GHM on 8 May 2007, 02:32 am

Quote from: PromitheusAudio link=topic=31621.msg#msg date=
F-100

No problem at the back of mind i remember reading one your emails. BUt somehow from there to just now seems vague. I occasionally forget things due to either to the numerous work or the solder fumes. So just buzz me to remind me would be great

On the active preamp, it will start the tour off in Georgia. Sending out the active preamp tomorrow. First off will be to Frederick Washington and i guess gymnae will pop by(like your new avatar, you old one was gave me headache). The rest who would like to have a go at the unit let me know so that i can arrange the transportation from there once frederick is done.

Cheers
nicholas

I'm sure earlyB and a few others will get a listen here as well. There are quite a few of us in Georgia that own the Promitheus TVC.

Oh YES!!! I'm right here in Georgia and I'd love to hear the active preamp on system. In fact, I was the first one to sign up for the demo several months ago when it was first introduced, so Nick, you gotta send two of them to Georgia.

My friend also has your TVC, so we can both check it out and write mini-reviews of it here. Nick, please include a pair of your interconnects in the package as well.

Let the road show begin!!!

Whitese · « **Reply #1634 on:** 8 May 2007, 01:10 pm »

I am in Georgia also, so I wouldnt mind listening to one...even if i have to travel...

Early B. · « **Reply #1635 on:** 8 May 2007, 01:19 pm »

Quote from: Whitese on 8 May 2007, 01:10 pm

I am in Georgia also, so I wouldnt mind listening to one...even if i have to travel...

What part of Georgia are you in? I'm in the 'burbs of Atlanta.

GHM · « **Reply #1636 on:** 8 May 2007, 01:28 pm »

Whitese you're just east of Tifton correct? That puts you roughly 170 miles from Fred and 220 from Early B. I've visited EarlyB and his friend that also owns the Promitheus in the Stone mountain area..great guys! I've also did some work in the Tifton and Fitzgerald areas..very friendly people..I love this part of Georgia.

Whitese · « **Reply #1637 on:** 8 May 2007, 01:38 pm »

i am about an hour east of Tifton, 2 south e. from MACON

1000a · « **Reply #1638 on:** 8 May 2007, 05:03 pm »

Nick

Could you post here just the basic pricing on the current power amps, (maybe tube DAC) subject to price changes, and options of course? It would be far quicker than you getting them onto the website for now. That way we can get a basic handle on pondering a whole Prometheus package. It could have the stipulation, price must be confirmed with Nick prior to ordering. but at least we can start planing our (MY) system budget.

Oh my God, the active is never gonna leave GA

. I don't mean anybody is gonna keep it - I just mean there are a lot of you guys in 1 state! Nick I am not complaining here, I think its fantastic your sending one over for an audition! No problem, I trust Rollo's take on the thing.

Which brings to mind a question again for Rollo, could you post Nick's pricing (if he does not) on all the basic amps. Of course with caveat that these numbers are my loose approximations and not to be considered fact.

Thanks,

PS, Gooberdude I completed the Room Lens, maybe we could start a seperate post on the DIY project, to save people some of the problems I ran into and also compare listening notes.

gooberdude · « **Reply #1639 on:** 8 May 2007, 06:13 pm »

Hey 1000a,

Nick quoted me a price of around $1300 for the 2A3/45 amp recently... Since each amp is a custom job though, the price may vary. Sounds like he will be offering several more amps in the future too.

Please start a separate Post (and post pictures!) about the Room Lenses, i am really interested to know your experience... Jon Risch also has a great resipe for these that another member e-mailed to me. Just Google search 'Jon Risch Room Lense' its of the geocities series he's posted...

I haven't even made an attempt to run to HD & get the supplies, still in awe of what my acoustic treatments do - which is SO much easier to discern now that they are gone!

Often i find myself just sitting & listening to music. the last 3 days its been fun to sit & ponder just how good the music could be. Sometimes knowing what you want is better than having what you want!! Its almost as perverse as taking a drink out of something after your friend goes "Oh man this is awful, try this..." and you do!

i can probably only take 2 more nights of a bare room. this hobby isn't much fun w/o acoustic treatments.

gd