Hello Rrekstad -
The 3 preamps are quite different. The TLC-1 (Transparent Line Control) is a passive design with no gain. It includes both pure passive and buffered outputs, and the Tape Outputs are buffered. Although the passive system will operate without power, the TLC-1 should be plugged-in for proper operation. There was a late model named the TLC-1R that included remote control volume and mute. The TLC-1 was available in both standard and "Deluxe" models, the deluxe including an improved parts set.
The ALD-1 (Active Line Drive)was designed for fully active operation with gain. It is a fine preamplifier that incorporates a number of advanced features. It is one of the very few preamplifiers that include a high-impedance buffer circuit on the input side, thus improving the dynamics and clarity of most input sources. It also includes a direct bypass input path for those exceptional source components that dont benefit from the input buffer.
Other design features include:
- High-impedance J-FET input buffer for main and tape inputs
- Zero-feedback amplifier design with high-current MOSFET output
- Six independent power supply regulator stages
- Balanced and unbalanced output
-True Passive (unbalanced) output
-Two Buffered Tape Monitor / Processor Loops with disconnect option
-Bi-directional tape dubbing
-A hard mute circuit (grounded outputs, which ensure true silence)
-Optional plug-in phono preamp
The RLD-1 is a newer piece that was designed for fully remote-controlled operation. It has a very high-resolution volume control system that moves in .5dB increments over a range of -98.5dB up to +20dB. There is also a home theater bypass mode useful for integration with a separate surround processor.
There is a lot more to say about these preamps, but this is not the place. Check out www.McCormackAudio.com or contact me directly if you like.
Best regards,
Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com
The 3 preamps are quite different. The TLC-1 (Transparent Line Control) is a passive design with no gain. It includes both pure passive and buffered outputs, and the Tape Outputs are buffered. Although the passive system will operate without power, the TLC-1 should be plugged-in for proper operation. There was a late model named the TLC-1R that included remote control volume and mute. The TLC-1 was available in both standard and "Deluxe" models, the deluxe including an improved parts set.
The ALD-1 (Active Line Drive)was designed for fully active operation with gain. It is a fine preamplifier that incorporates a number of advanced features. It is one of the very few preamplifiers that include a high-impedance buffer circuit on the input side, thus improving the dynamics and clarity of most input sources. It also includes a direct bypass input path for those exceptional source components that dont benefit from the input buffer.
Other design features include:
- High-impedance J-FET input buffer for main and tape inputs
- Zero-feedback amplifier design with high-current MOSFET output
- Six independent power supply regulator stages
- Balanced and unbalanced output
-True Passive (unbalanced) output
-Two Buffered Tape Monitor / Processor Loops with disconnect option
-Bi-directional tape dubbing
-A hard mute circuit (grounded outputs, which ensure true silence)
-Optional plug-in phono preamp
The RLD-1 is a newer piece that was designed for fully remote-controlled operation. It has a very high-resolution volume control system that moves in .5dB increments over a range of -98.5dB up to +20dB. There is also a home theater bypass mode useful for integration with a separate surround processor.
There is a lot more to say about these preamps, but this is not the place. Check out www.McCormackAudio.com or contact me directly if you like.
Best regards,
Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com