Promitheus TVC passive preamp anyone?

PromitheusAudio · « **Reply #1780 on:** 1 Jun 2007, 11:27 pm »

tHE gain setting is set by a jumper similar to a switch. THe jumper is like the ones you find like when you want to do overclocking.
I find this slightly better than tact switch. No soldering at all. Just take out the jumper and place into the PCB header and you are all set.
Just need to power down though to prevent damage to your equipment

tanchiro58 · « **Reply #1781 on:** 2 Jun 2007, 12:35 am »

Quote

However i myself will not go back to the -34 db for one simple reason, there is not enought clicks for me to use. And for some people 24 steps is already not enough so even how good the -34db was it was just not user friendly. Most people had problems with it. Too much gain.

Nick,

You might be right with your passive TVC preamp. How about those amps and preamps with too much gain? I do have a Gold Point 100K 24 positions in my tube amp. Actually I do not need the attenuator but it is built with a simple volume pot. Since the regular volume pot was too noisy when I turn up and down (in case I connect directly to sources) then I had to replace with the Gold Point that I had in hand. You would not believe it after putting it in my amp the noise is decreased dramatically. I also have a TKD 100K 42 steps dual mono attenuators in my tube preamp and I love them very much.

Tan

Early B. · « **Reply #1782 on:** 2 Jun 2007, 12:41 pm »

After much anticipation, I finally received the Promitheus active preamp to demo. My system consists of VMPS Tower II SE speakers, modified Bada tube CD player, Marsh A400 amp, and a Promitheus Reference TVC.

First, the unit is built well -- very similar in look and style to the standard TVC. As others have mentioned, the back of the unit is confusing because the inputs and outputs are not labeled.

My experience with the active preamp was very similar to GHM's. It really didn't make very much of a difference in my system. I expected improvements in gain, bass, and/or dynamics, but again, I did not perceive any differences in these aspects of the music.

I would imagine the active pre would work well in a pure solid state system that could benefit with a tube sound. I don't know if there is much value in the active preamp if you have tubes in your system already.

Say · « **Reply #1783 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 03:18 pm »

Early B. I hope you tried the active in both configurations (before and after the tvc). Not that I would know how it sounds since I don't own one but the tubes should make a difference to some extent nevertheless.

Regarding my burn in of the Ref. dual box mono tvc, I'm at about 290 hours currently. This will be brief and I will have many good things to say once I write up a post after 400 hours. For now, suffice to say, this unit has done things that continue to amaze! Stay tuned.

Early B. · « **Reply #1784 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 03:25 pm »

Quote from: Say on 5 Jun 2007, 03:18 pm

Early B. I hope you tried the active in both configurations (before and after the tvc). Not that I would know how it sounds since I don't own one but the tubes should make a difference to some extent nevertheless.

I only tried it based on the manufacturer's recommendation of putting the active behind the TVC. I still don't think it would have made much of a difference in my system.

Whitese · « **Reply #1785 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 04:29 pm »

The active pre made it my house, but i missed FedEx by 10 minutes,,,,tomorrow I will post impressions and pics/

F-100 · « **Reply #1786 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 05:03 pm »

Quote from: Early B. on 2 Jun 2007, 12:41 pm

My system consists of VMPS Tower II SE speakers, modified Bada tube CD player, Marsh A400 amp, and a Promitheus Reference TVC.

My experience with the active preamp was very similar to GHM's. It really didn't make very much of a difference in my system. I expected improvements in gain, bass, and/or dynamics, but again, I did not perceive any differences in these aspects of the music.

From my experience with VMPS Tower II SE speakers, they don't have quite the detail and resolution of some of the high-end speakers available nowadays. That is why you didn't hear any differences.

Early B. · « **Reply #1787 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 05:23 pm »

Quote from: F-100 on 5 Jun 2007, 05:03 pm

Quote from: Early B. on 2 Jun 2007, 12:41 pm
My system consists of VMPS Tower II SE speakers, modified Bada tube CD player, Marsh A400 amp, and a Promitheus Reference TVC.

My experience with the active preamp was very similar to GHM's. It really didn't make very much of a difference in my system. I expected improvements in gain, bass, and/or dynamics, but again, I did not perceive any differences in these aspects of the music.

From my experience with VMPS Tower II SE speakers, they don't have quite the detail and resolution of some of the high-end speakers available nowadays. That is why you didn't hear any differences.

I would question your experience with these speakers. The TII SE's have as much resolution and detail that I've heard in any speaker, regardless of price. That's why I bought them. Like all other speakers, it depends on the associated gear.

My comments regarding the active pre are consistent with the experiences of others that have posted here, so don't piss on my speakers.

F-100 · « **Reply #1788 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 06:26 pm »

Quote from: Early B. on 5 Jun 2007, 05:23 pm

My comments regarding the active pre are consistent with the experiences of others that have posted here, so don't piss on my speakers.

I have no interest in pissing on your speakers. I was just only giving my subjective opinion regarding my experience with that particular speakers. As long as you like your speaker, that is alll matter.

Peace

1000a · « **Reply #1789 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 08:25 pm »

speaking of detail I just swapped out my Teflon Halos 10. ea. on my Jolida amp's input tubes for his newest damper the Blackberry 15. each, jaw drop IMS- detail - was shocking I thought I was mostly their with all the improvements I have gained in recent months- not-a-no-way-not a-chance! I love it more more more and no etched sound!

this newest round of more detail delivered what matters most - more air, more separation, a better feeling of 3d. which for me when it isn't analytical = more real. more soul. So i pulled 2 Teflons off the input tubes changed to 2 Blackberry, pulled the Teflons off driver tubes changed to Peek (not as detailed, more body, less glare). So I did not even do Blackberries on the drivers and I am floored. Its fantastic there is always more to be had and a blessing when its inexpensive, cause last weeks improvement is already assimilated - absorbed into my newest perceptions and then I start looking studying digging for more............Hmm is that why we speed all this time on this forum?

from his site:

Quote

With C-ring made of black beryllium copper and soft, proprietary isolation pads, Herbie's BlackBery Damping Instruments deliver the utmost sonic resolution. Herbie's best damping instrument brings out the "Wow!" factor in your tube gear--for small-signal preamp, input, and driver tubes.

I think for MS anyway, his estimate is conservative and modest at best. 90 day return policy, you can not lose.

I am quickly tirering of subtle improvements when recently I am finding major ones for small audio $$.

gooberdude · « **Reply #1790 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 08:31 pm »

I've always been thoroughly impressed With Steve Herbelin's goods. He has got an ear, a penchant for tweaks and his customer service is top notch.

1000a · « **Reply #1791 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 08:45 pm »

great guy spoke to for 40mins about tubes and audio and it seemed he'd talk forever, extremely knowledgeable, kind and helpful.

+ liberal return & swap policy better than any I know, which for people of our ilk - he is a God Send.

gooberdude · « **Reply #1792 on:** 5 Jun 2007, 08:50 pm »

He's a real tweaker.... from what i recall he has no formal education in the materials he uses, but his thirst to make components work better has driven him to self-educate, and obviously he's excelled based on all the positive words about him on forums & from my direct experience with the WE mat, LP puck (sonic stablizer) and the grungebuster material.

i think its cool that he's always updating his products too. Considering the wide product range in his line-up its even more impressive.

1000a · « **Reply #1793 on:** 6 Jun 2007, 05:27 am »

any news on that C-core for the TVC, Nick you out there? Take five spend a moment let us know whats happening now, hope you are well.

Whitese · « **Reply #1794 on:** 6 Jun 2007, 08:03 pm »

I got the active buffer and here are some pics.

I have it running and its quite obvious in my system how much more weight is adds to the music. For now, I am not sure I like it, or not used to it. I have been running a first gen TVC and Roger Modjeski 13em7 amp and I found that the music was lean but satisfying. Great speed. The midbass/bass is really fleshed out with the active in there. I can imagine that being great if you have not so efficient speakers. The build quality is great and they are heavy. today and tomorrow I will only listen to the complete setup and then I will remove the active to see what is omitted.

Early B. · « **Reply #1795 on:** 6 Jun 2007, 08:41 pm »

Very nice, Whitese. Looking forward to your final review.

What kind of speakers are those?

Whitese · « **Reply #1796 on:** 6 Jun 2007, 08:49 pm »

Speakers are PAudio 12" coaxes....excellent like Tannoys...with better highs and sharper mids. paper cones, and individual magnets for woofer and tweeter. TL cabs a friend made...originally for lambda Acoustics subs.

Say · « **Reply #1797 on:** 6 Jun 2007, 09:56 pm »

Excellent pics Whitese!

True appreciation of your system (as with everyone else on this thread).

About that active pre being a good thing or not, seems to come down to a preference at any old time. Last night I used my tubed cj preamp as a buffer after the cd player then plugged it into the tvc. A bit of warmth came forth. But I wondered if it was too much. I liked the palpable flavour. Yet something was different. A few moments later I removed the cj (buffer). Too much of a good thing was over and above the sound I was used to with the TVC alone. That should speak volumes about the tvc till my 400 hour summary!

Whitese · « **Reply #1798 on:** 6 Jun 2007, 10:35 pm »

Correct...I have a feeling I like the "to my ears" truthiness that the TVC gives me by itself....I will try the active with my Hadley SS also and see whats up with that.....

I have some vintage Audax 15" coaxes that are kinda bright...this may be killer for them.

Whitese · « **Reply #1799 on:** 6 Jun 2007, 11:35 pm »

Ok, i removed it just for kicks tonite, and there is a definite loss of flesh and bass...but, rimshots, snare, voice gets an extra dose of clarity as there is less lower mids/higher midbass to compete for space.

What a tough balance....I definitily lost some bass.