[jrebman]

I'm confused...  Bent autoformer TAP-X, Vishay's, tube output, upgraded power supply?  Sounds like we're talking about two completely different things.

I just purchased a TAP-X from John and the power supply is only for the remote functions and sub out buffer, and is external to the unit.  There are no resistors in the completely passive signal path.

Is this an older Bent TAP that Wayne modded?

I think Sunni and I are talking about the same thing.

-- Jim

[FullSpectrum]

Hi. I am new here but imo my favorite passive that you all have probably never heard of is the Axiom from Luminous Audio Technology. Does not add any coloration or anything else for that matter to the listening experience, plus it is dead silent. If you want your music to sound exactly as it does on the disc then this is one passive to try. It stays out of the signals way and thus is very dynamic and transparent. This little guy bests most anything this side of $2000.00 imo. And for so little money how could you go wrong. A recommended buy for those looking for pure sound.

Luminous audio site: http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiom.php
Just 1 review of many: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?rprea&1079209086&read&3&4&

[woodsyi]

I'm confused...  Bent autoformer TAP-X, Vishay's, tube output, upgraded power supply?  Sounds like we're talking about two completely different things.

I just purchased a TAP-X from John and the power supply is only for the remote functions and sub out buffer, and is external to the unit.  There are no resistors in the completely passive signal path.

Is this an older Bent TAP that Wayne modded?

I think Sunni and I are talking about the same thing.

-- Jim

From what I understand, Wayne added a tweaked out (modified PS) Burson Buffer and changed the stock attenuator to a Vishay nude model.  I won't need the gain for phono but the active gain buffer may come in handy on other sources.  Mike Garner told me it is the autoformer version of the Tap x with 6 inputs and 2 outputs.  He told me I can return it if it's not what I though it was. 

[jrebman]

Ok, sounds like the same thing, but maybe the buffer, etc. are all there in expectation of a source with a high output impedance and/or long IC runs.

I'll have a 12" IC between my Isabellina and the TAP-X and about 24" from the tap to the amps, and the buffered out will be for the sub(s).  So I guess the idea of extra buffering didn't really occur to me.

I'm sure it will be great --- in fact, I'm counting on it .

-- Jim

[JoshK]

It uses either a resistor based attenuator OR an autoformer, not both.  From the ad that cryotweaks listed, it was implied that it was the resistor based bent, not the autoformer one.  Bent offers both kinds.   

[jrebman]

Josh,

Correct, but the TAP-x is the autoformer based unit, while the MicroTAP is the resistor based unit -- unless some sort of custom thing was built with the OEM modules.  A buffer and better power supply surely make more sense with the resistor based units, IMO.

-- Jim

[Wayne1]

There seems to have been quite a bit of confusion about this item.

It was the "prototype" BOLDER/Bent/Burson control center.

I first posted about it here

This was an item I worked on with John Chapman. It had a pair of modified Burson Buffer boards, A modded Burson power supply and a custom R-core power transformer installed. The relay controlled resistor attenuator boards were built with the "nude" Vishays.

It is NOT a passive preamp. The Burson boards add 6 db of gain. They are not switchable out of circuit.

There are no transformers or tubes in the signal path.

Mike Garner ended up with it after he compared it to a battery powered, tube preamp he sold at one time. He did prefer the BBB unit in his system.

Woodsyi did get a killer deal on this unit. Parts COST is over $1500.00 not including the labor I put into it.

[zybar]

There seems to have been quite a bit of confusion about this item.

It was the "prototype" BOLDER/Bent/Burson control center.

I first posted about it here

This was an item I worked on with John Chapman. It had a pair of modified Burson Buffer boards, A modded Burson power supply and a custom R-core power transformer installed. The relay controlled resistor attenuator boards were built with the "nude" Vishays.

It is NOT a passive preamp. The Burson boards add 6 db of gain. They are not switchable out of circuit.

There are no transformers or tubes in the signal path.

Mike Garner ended up with it after he compared it to a battery powered, tube preamp he sold at one time. He did prefer the BBB unit in his system.

Woodsyi did get a killer deal on this unit. Parts COST is over $1500.00 not including the labor I put into it.

I had an earlier version that I tried in the summer of '07 and thought it was an excellent unit.

I agree that Woodsyi got a killer deal on a really great sounding preamp.

George

[Gaara]

Hi. I am new here but imo my favorite passive that you all have probably never heard of is the Axiom from Luminous Audio Technology. Does not add any coloration or anything else for that matter to the listening experience, plus it is dead silent. If you want your music to sound exactly as it does on the disc then this is one passive to try. It stays out of the signals way and thus is very dynamic and transparent. This little guy bests most anything this side of $2000.00 imo. And for so little money how could you go wrong. A recommended buy for those looking for pure sound.

Luminous audio site: http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiom.php
Just 1 review of many: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?rprea&1079209086&read&3&4&

There is much better for the $ IMO.  This is speaking from experience with a few passive pres, including the Axiom w/ caddocks.  My promitheus TVC that I paid $300 for easily beat it, hell a pair of Endler Attenuators beat the axiom at only $80.  I owned the axiom for ~ 2-3 months and had it in a few systems before it was eventually replaced.

[anubisgrau]

my passive preamp upgrade path was

promitheus ref 4 TVC -> bent NOH -> music first copper

each move was a rather clear step forward

however i've recently had a demo of a final prototype of a new product called "myth".

the preamp is not a passive strictly speaking as it uses power but it has zero gain and it's dead silent.

it's a LDR volume control with input and output buffers. it's output impedance is 3 ohm only.

this is by large margin the best volume controler i've ever heard, and i've heard plenty of them and even measured more interesting ones.

in comparison with music first TVC, it sounds dramatically more transparent & detailed - all but all veils lifted, even those you were not aware of with S&B 102 Mk3 TVCs - plus thanks to the buffers it has a drive and dynamics of the best active: think of CJ art series and similar. we are talking about really dramatic differences, not splitting hairs.

last but not least, this preamp has terrific ergonomics: not only that it has RC for all the functions (volume, selector) but the display that shows the settings is a touch-screen so no need for any switch selectors. it's actually a rather high tech device, no wonder it's designed by a guy who is an audiophile but also a top pro electronic engineer.

unfortunately the bad news is that the unit will not be on sale before spring 2009. the good news is it shouldn't cost much, it won't be sold through the dealers but direct only.... the basic unbalanced version will be around 1000E. i would suggest everyone who's after a final passive preamp to wait for it.

[anubisgrau]

just to add i haven't had any experience with autoformers so far but i do have high hopes for dave slaggle's.

[woodsyi]

You are sounding like a person who's connected.  You may have to divulge your connection if you have any vested interest in this product.   

Since it's really good, I am sure you want to trumpet the arrival of this wonderkind loud and clear.  AC is here to help.  We will herald its virtues if we can hear it.  Would you care to arrange a tour for the interested here on AC?  I will be the first to volunteer.  aa

[Niteshade]

To me, anyway, the best passive preamp is made from a basic voltage divider and there will be no inductors, capacitors, etc.. involved in the circuit.

[anubisgrau]

i'm not connected but i am a bit euphoric because of a shock. you know the feeling when you are suddenly exposed to something totally unexpected, especially that i will be able to buy it for much less than how it sounds. i could never afford to buy a new component, except for a promitheus TVC.

 i wrote a lot on different forums about TVCs in the past and i championed them for obvious advantages.

you can find my posts, my remarks about shortcomings of EI cores in both S&B and early promitheus TVCs and think why suddenly all of them started making new products with C and double C core. here where i come from, we were the first to experiment with double C cores of a substantial size and we were there before anyone else. however we were not interested in business, we did it for ourselves. i have to mention this as i wrote about benefits of better cores much before both promitheus and music first released their products. i have no reason to believe that they were not "inspired" to try with what we have already had proven to benefet a better TVC sound.

i was always very critical of RVCs and i didn't expect to hear what i've heard.

the reason why i know  a lot about this product which is as i said still in a testing stage is that i approached a designer because i was curious to hear something better for my own system. i have 114db horns that are an open window into the sound and clearly reveal upstream components. as i believe that the early ringing of most of the TVCs clearly affects the sound, i'm always interested in hearing new products and that's how i ended with having a prototype unit in my room.

i did have a problem with ground loops related to the way my speakers with active bass units are wired but once i cleared it, the sound was spectacular.

i don't know how the product will be promoted and if there will be demo units sent around but i will feel free to propose this to the manufacturer as i know it gives a better confidence among the audiophiles.

as i said i have nothing to do with him, except that i believe that the product is at least as revolutionarly as the TVCs were when they appeared a few years ago... so no need for any unecessary conclusions except that i confess i'm a bit overexcited.

[JoshK]

The VC device is an LED/LDR?  Is that was you mean? 

[anubisgrau]

The VC device is an LED/LDR?  Is that was you mean? 

yes, light dependant resistors.

[acresm22]

Hi. I am new here but imo my favorite passive that you all have probably never heard of is the Axiom from Luminous Audio Technology. Does not add any coloration or anything else for that matter to the listening experience, plus it is dead silent. If you want your music to sound exactly as it does on the disc then this is one passive to try. It stays out of the signals way and thus is very dynamic and transparent. This little guy bests most anything this side of $2000.00 imo. And for so little money how could you go wrong. A recommended buy for those looking for pure sound.

Luminous audio site: http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiom.php
Just 1 review of many: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?rprea&1079209086&read&3&4&

There is much better for the $ IMO.  This is speaking from experience with a few passive pres, including the Axiom w/ caddocks.  My promitheus TVC that I paid $300 for easily beat it, hell a pair of Endler Attenuators beat the axiom at only $80.  I owned the axiom for ~ 2-3 months and had it in a few systems before it was eventually replaced.

It's system-dependant. In mine, I've tried a TVC, a PVA, a pair of shotgun-style attenuators, a Goldpoint ladder-type, a Creek OBH-10, and a Luminous Axiom w/Hollcos. I prefer the Axiom.

[doug s.]

rim, good luck w/this endeavor.  i anxiously await your opinion.  and mebbe an opportunity to hear for myself?     but, i admit i am skeptical that you will find it an improvement over using an active tubed pre - even w/all the other tubes downstream.  but, you don't know if you don't try, right?   

best,

doug s.

[Gaara]

Hi. I am new here but imo my favorite passive that you all have probably never heard of is the Axiom from Luminous Audio Technology. Does not add any coloration or anything else for that matter to the listening experience, plus it is dead silent. If you want your music to sound exactly as it does on the disc then this is one passive to try. It stays out of the signals way and thus is very dynamic and transparent. This little guy bests most anything this side of $2000.00 imo. And for so little money how could you go wrong. A recommended buy for those looking for pure sound.

Luminous audio site: http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiom.php
Just 1 review of many: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?rprea&1079209086&read&3&4&

There is much better for the $ IMO.  This is speaking from experience with a few passive pres, including the Axiom w/ caddocks.  My promitheus TVC that I paid $300 for easily beat it, hell a pair of Endler Attenuators beat the axiom at only $80.  I owned the axiom for ~ 2-3 months and had it in a few systems before it was eventually replaced.

It's system-dependant. In mine, I've tried a TVC, a PVA, a pair of shotgun-style attenuators, a Goldpoint ladder-type, a Creek OBH-10, and a Luminous Axiom w/Hollcos. I prefer the Axiom.

Interesting, thanks for the info.  I tried all three types of pres in 3 different systems, and prefered TVCs in every one.  Must be because I listen at lower volumes where TVCs excel.

[woodsyi]

It's here.  Mike got it out Tuesday and I just received it.  I will start playing with it after the last Trick-or-treaters....