Sorta like a "Doppler Effect" ? |
Can any preamp be better than the final Audio Horizons TP 2.1 ? (kidding) |
Hey Rob,
Good choice on the sub.
I have 2 Supercube II's in my system, best subs I heard, esp. for two channel stereo. |
The TP 2.0 preamp with my recent VAC 220 monos is a heavenly listening experience,
very musically correct and satisfying.
I'm calling off work for a couple days ! |
I received my TP 2.0 preamp a little over a week ago.
All I can say is, it has no right to sound this good, esp. at the ridiculous low price !
You owe it to yourself for the 30 day audition, what's to lose ?
(the only thing I lost was my current reference preamp)
It continues to impress me with its realism, stark contrasts, natural warmth and sheer quietness.
Each day more magic eminates from my speakers since the TP 2.0 was inserted into the chain.
These are initial impressions after a week, it's getting better as it continues break-in and settles into my system.
I'll post a mini review later down the road.
Joseph Chow is the most honest, friendly gentleman I had the pleasure meeting.
His design is genius, I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out how the heck he did it.
The TP 2.0 is a winner in my book, it stays on the rack shelf. |
Sherod,
Counterpoint SA-5000A. |
Sherod,
The TP 2.0 is destined to become a classic preamp.
I never in my life thought it could sound this amazing.
As far as cabling goes, well, I'm pretty cabled up for now with Shunyata power and Cardas cables.
I'm very content with the provided Siemens that came with my unit.
For my system, they strike the perfect balance between detail and warmth.
You're gonna love this preamp.
|
A few more days pass, the TP 2.0 settles further into my system, with fully developed harmonics, solid imaging and an open, holographic depth of stage you can see into, extending to the back wall.
It has a tube sound and liquid texture to the overtones, very addictive.
All I could ask for in a simple, one-box solution, I'm a happy camper as y'all can tell by now.
Late night listening is a real gas. |
Here's my opinion of the Audio Horizons TP 2.0 preamp after a solid two months.
My room is filled with clear, live, authoritive music !
I gave up trying to find any sonic weakness in an evaluation, I'm just getting too much enjoyment listening and forgetting the equipment.
My TP 2.0 rests on 4 Herbies Tenderfeet with the Gabon Ebony balls and Teflon Halo rings around each of the 4 tubes.
I never heard my music on such a level of stark realism, and this is with my smallish back-up speakers !
You owe it to yourself to check this one out.
Joeseph Chow is to be commended for designing such a wonderful product, he really deserves a lot more recognition.
More to follow later.
|
I have the 'I' version with the noise filter, Hovland caps, upgraded transformers, Siemens falcon logo tubes, but not the extra XLRs. |
Tvad,
4 tubes (two per channel) of the 6DJ8 / 6922 / 7308 variety. |
Hey you A.H. TP 2.0-ers, you know who you are !!
Wanted to bring this thread up from the archives to keep up to date on what's happening.
My new 3/4" gloss black acrylic lid is completed, took some time, I've been busy with other stuff.
It looks beautiful and functions as a damping device.
Cooling is not a problem, plus there are no holes for mounting, it "sets into" the top of the chassis by a step I cut around the outside diameter.
The bottom edge that rests on the top of the chassis has been lined with strips of black adhesive-back felt.
Gravity and the weight alone keep it in place.
What I didn't say is the four hours + I spent on the Bridgeport after work, shaving and fine-tuning this sucker to fit like a glove.
The looks and sound are well worth it, pictures will be available soon. |
Thanks Sherod,
I might get ambitious and try making a pair of these for my amps as well !
It's a shame more folks don't know how great this preamp sounds.
Equipment like this usually don't get the hot-press reports, they go word-of-mouth by owners on forums.
I noticed this trend with other equipment as well, sorta like an underground secret having to be discovered ! |
It looks as though the preamp is finally drawing a larger, much deserved recognition.
Gammajo and Ralphcast, congratulations and enjoy. |
I'll third it, nice choice JoJo, welcome abroad !
Do you know of JoJo Gunne from the early 70's ? |
Gammajo,
You described it very well. My original brief review was posted on the Audio Horizons website, similar to yours.
I think we're all on the same page here as far as sonic descriptives are concerned, and that says a LOT.
The TP 2.0 combines the classic tube sound without the added artifacts yet remains neutral with a natural warmth.
It also slams out the yang-yang with micro and macro dynamics and a dead quiet background.
My next move is sending Joseph my CEC transport "which he is very familiar with" to work some magic into. |
That's exactly what happens when your equipment is quiet.
You're able to talk (without shouting) at normal conversation levels while music plays.
Running dedicated 10-2 lines helped further, the only thing I did was drop the ground inside my preamp at the IEC to eliminate a hum and I made a cutom black acrylic lid for mine. |
Thanks for the call Lewis !!
I'm right here guys, you'll be hearing from me shortly after I get my amps up and runnin, it's been a while I know ......
|
Grannyring, check out Herbie's Audio Lab for tube damping rings, best stuff out there.
I also use his special footers under my components, including the preamp.
Herblin is a friendly, honest guy, his products *really work* and the prices are down to earth (like Joseph Chow)
Something barely heard of nowdays in audio land. |
I use the original, White Teflon Halo 7's.
There's a brief description of the sonic character for each ring type (white, nickel, black) |
Hey Everyone !
When you pop the top for tube rolling,
or for plain visual curiosity, listen with the metal lid off for a while (hours) and tell me if there's a difference to your ears ?
I'll tell you my impressions after I hear yours, just to confirm if I'm not crazy !
Thanks |
Gammajo (and others)
The lid I created is 3/4" thick gloss black, acrylic.
I routed a step along the underside perimeter, so it (sits in) the top of the preamp with no screw holes.
The weight alone is plenty for safety reasons or whatever (yeah, I have a cat)
I lined the underside lip with adhesive-back felt strips, for a cushion between it and the top edge of the chassis.
Gaps were left between the strip ends for ventilation purposes, the preamp only gets luke warm, nothing to be concerned about here.
Personally, I think it looks so good, I wouldn't mind manufacturing a few one-offs or supplying dimensions for interested DIY-ers.
My supplier is a local plastic and fabricator shop, they roughed out the initial cut, I finished it.
It took *many-after-work-hours* on the Bridgeport, cutting, shaving and fine tuning for a perfect fit.
It's very hard to upload a good picture (since it's black) but in person, it looks beautiful. |
Gammajo,
I felt my idea was getting rained on, so I was going to drop outta here.
As far as this safety issue : There are many tube amps that run "wide open" no chassis top, bottom or sides to speak of, with big hot driver tubes staring at your face, my VAC monos are an example, what's safe ?
Sherod, that's a great place, I've talked to Jeff G. many times, he knows speakers and crosssover designs like nobodys business.
Another material I have four sheets of, is called No Rez from GR Research, the other speaker genius Danny R.
I'm gonna put my lid on and shut off, good luck guys >>>>
|
No offense taken from you Gammajo, I just felt a bit "winded" on my topic (like getting old and stupid fast) !
This is the second day I woke up with major back pain that took me to my knees when I stood up.
Anyway (enough complaining) the sound to me is more "full and organic"
Of course, with your ears and system YMMV.
Anyone interested email me off-line, I'll gladly supply necessary imfo. |
*Another member* will be joining in our "club" shortly.
He just recieved his TP 2.0 a few days ago and is letting it "settle-in" before giving his impressions.
Our thread will be a year old in a couple weeks ! |
I think the "new member" aquired the secret TP 2.0 MK2, it "blows our old units" away !!
He told me he stayed up all night listening. |
Sherod, I was just kidding, nothing blows our preamps away ! |
Gammajo, will it be designated the secret MK2 or MK2.5 ??
Inquiring minds want to know, I'm an upgrade idiot. L.O.L.
I'm lowering my shelf tonight. HA !!
|
Here's another stumper :
I have the Siemens ECC88 with the *White Falcon* logo, non-gold pins.
Does anyone have these in their preamps ?
Joseph must have a special connection (possibly overseas) ?
I can't locate these anywhere else, Googled it. |
Grannyring,
What characteristics do you like better about the Ampy B.B.s ? |
Hey Rob,
Glad you joined, welcome here !! |
Thanks Grannyring, appreciate the input, I will try them. |
There's some circuit board isolation going in my preamp tomorrow.
I have some other tricks in the making, following my isolation procedure (safe, even better sounding and totally reversible)
Details will follow later upon completion. |
Sherod,
No evaluation yet, he's been waiting a long time for the Ref 3, and is quite irritated.
As usual, this whole preamp scenario boils down to break-in procedure, your electricity supply, your system, your tube selection (if applicable) your ears and preferences.
I'd like to arrange a comparison, or if someone else here can compare or borrow a Ref 3, that's fine too, I'm curious to hear the results. |
Ralphcast and Markwatkiss, good findings, thanks ! |
Gammmajo,
Does your Siemens have a white falcon logo on them ?
I'm interested in trying the Amperex you mentioned.
Are you getting a larger stage size with the Amperex ? |
La45 and Gammajo,
I have a Shunyata King Cobra V-1 on my preamp and two more for my trans and dac, so that's pretty over-kill for me.
As far as the Siemens, I'm a bit mixed about the *ECC88* non-gold pins I have, and the *E188CC* gold pins Gammajo has.
I'll call Joseph or a tube source to find out what, if any sonic differences exist.
|
Guess what Gammajo ?
I returned from Joe's Tube Lore and a couple other sites after Googling ECC88 and E188CC !!
Sorry to put you through the paces dude, I was gettin lazy.
Hey, at least it will be there for the rest of the groupies to see !!
Thanks much. |
Way to go Sherod.
Count me in on this one. |
Thanks for the compliment Joe !
By the way, my circuit board isolation works great, it makes the preamp smoother and quieter than before !
I've had it playing for a few days now, and all is well.
It takes a philips screwdriver, being careful and patient, but not impossible to achieve.
I mailed two kits out to Sherod and La45 for evaluation, I'm awaiting their feedback.
Anyone else interested or brave enough (ha!) let me know. |
I asked that same question to a soon-to-be REF 3 owner ! |
Thanks Joe !
I'm gratified for the folks who accepted my floating board experiment and the sucess story.
Now for the acrylic lid ..................... !! |
Sherod,
The group recently got together, the tune is Run, Run, Run.
Thinking about this, we're showing our age >>> |
Meanwhile, I'm conjuring up another mod ............................................... heh-heh-heh
Stay tuned to this channel, I'm in complete control of your preamps, do not attempt to adjust your sound.
I can adjust your width, I can adjust your height, I can adjust your depth.
I can also change your sound from a sleepy "blur" to an alarmingly "focused" stage.
So sit back, relax, grab yer favorite brew, yer beef jerky or whatever, and listen quietly, while I lead you into the towering pyramids of,
*THE SOUND YOU NEVER HAD ............... TILL NOW* !!
|
One-Joe (ha)
I promise you guys won't turn blue-in-the-face holding your breaths,
it will be in this millennium. |
I'll give you a "hint" of the mod.
It involves careful removal and replacement of the electricalinator under the coveringitallunator next to the noisenomoreulator. |
I'll include a vial of "chill-pills" with every kit ! |
Busy "workin" to help support this crazy habit.
I sent my interconnects to La45 for a comparison with his, so I'll be down for a while.
Sherod, what turned out with the oil cans ? |
Cericson,
I emailed you off line. |
Gammajo,
Sorry to hear about the set-back, glad your daughter's ok.
Guess me complainin about a $391.00 tranny repair on a 2001 Ford ain't diddly squat.
Well, maybe it's time for you to "re-visit" Vegas and try to win that cash back ?
Then, you could go hog wild and buy big-ass tube monoblocks and call it a day ! |
