[Big Red Machine]

This thing is awesome.  But it is about 3 clicks shy of giving me all the gain I need with my set-up.  I have had it one week and fell in love right away.  Super condition.  Very honest presentation.  It made voices the most real sounding I ever have experienced so far.  Comes with some wooden feet and metal rods for the knobs as well.  Looks just like the photos on their website.  I'm off again in my quest for a pre.  Paypal preferred.

http://www.promitheusaudio.com/tvc.htm

[robert1325]

why not try the Active buffer ?     

Rollo made some nice comments about it! I would know what to do!

[Big Red Machine]

What is it?  Where do I see it?  How much is it?  Is it another box that connects or is it a mod?

[robert1325]

Another box,    It's 550 incl shipping...  But should be  High -end 

http://www.promitheusaudio.com/activepreamp.htm

Comments   Rollo:

The Promitheus Dual Mono TVC and Active tubed Buffer with separate tube regulated power supply made its late night debut against the big CJ Pre [$15000] and was not embarrassed. Unfortunately due to limited time and space the TVC was cut short of a full listening evaluation.
   Next Friday, at AB one of the designers from JM Labs will demo and talk about the JM Lab line. Joel offered to host another evening of fun with JM Lab speakers. The TVC will also be demoed as part of the system.
    If anyone is interested in attending please post. A head count would be required by Thursday for Joel to prepare.
     We missed the Rave members last evening, maybe we Will see you Friday.




Actually yes, as good as it is the TVC was lacking body and soul compared to a the better active preamps. The emotional impact of the actives was MIA with TVC. The clarity and detail of the TVC was MIA compared to the actives. It was hard to listen to either piece active or passive without missing the virtues of each.
   Now for the first time, the active preamp [Loesch] is not being missed. That is saying a lot IMO.
    The original TVC at under $400 is a wonderfull achievement. Is it a match for the best of the actives? NO However the TVC will make them quiver a bit. The dual box mono takes the performance up a notch and gets closer yet but still no cigar. The differences are small but large enough to the most discerning to spend the extra money.
   With the addition of the buffer stage the gap has narrowed significantly IMO and just may be the ticket to nirvana, you be the judge with YOUR system.
     As far as my enthusiasm is concerned. You are correct in your evaluation. After spending copious amounts of money in this hobby it is a GOD SENT to have a Manf. like Promitheus around offering true giant killers at an affordable price. I can only imagine what Nicholas is capable of in the future. IMO the products we see now from Promitheus will evolve to the next level while maintaining modest cost compared to the competition.
     I get excited over this hobby as it is so comforting and therapeutic after a long day. Music is life and life is great and now more affordable.




Randy,
        OK guys, here we go. The clear transparent and pure sound of the passive alone is pleasing to say the least. With the addition of the buffer there is just more there there. The sound is BIGGER, FULLER more authoritative . A much larger sound stage with more 3D imaging. Tonality and harmonic structure remain the same as with the TVC alone.
       The buffer just enhances what the TVC does and does well. Remember the difference over your previous preamp. Well be prepared to be shocked again.
        Without sounding like a pompous ass, unless you [ in general] have had the pleasure of listening to a CJ Act2 , AR Ref. 2, Wytech Opal, Mark Levenson Ref, Loesch & Wiesner, or the like in your system   you are not going to appreciate where I am coming from. I did not want to use this analogy before as not to insult anyone, however Class "A" is Class "A" for a reason.
        The TVC alone is an excellent piece, with the buffer it is stellar. Can we live without the buffer, yes we can. When you hear what the buffer brings to the table with the TVC IMO there is no going back. The combo is that good.
         To date the TVC is installed before the buffer as Nicholas reccommends. I have not tried the reverse as of now. When it breaks in 100% I'll give it a go.
          The Energizer as well expanded the sound with a dead quite background. The bass is utterly explosive and even more focused than before which is unbelievable to me.
           GHM if you are reading this , please shed some input as to your findings with the Energizer in place. Am I nuts altogether or a happy customer?

[gooberdude]

Hey BRM,

give the promi a few more weeks of burn-in, you might get those last 3 clicks you need...    the burn-in takes a month, if not 2, and the little cigar box turns into a different beast than what you have now.   If you like it even a little, give it a fair shot to blow your mind.

Mine is over 6 months old and i'd swear its still changing....    Letting out more volume, or at least perceived volume, is a part of the burn-in that i noticed.  Seems like these trannies are built to last a few decades, they take more than a few weeks to get all loosey goosey & fun.

i think Nick's active buffer would be amazing as well, and does give a boost in gain too, check the site for specifics.


Also, you might try changing up the sources before swapping pre's.  Or try really low capacitance cabling, like Speltz's...it seems to work great with the TVC.

[Big Red Machine]

I'm not interested in spending $550 more, thanks for the info.

The unit came to me broken in.

I already purchased another unit today that is active with a remote I'm going to try.