Okay... I'm in.
I confess: I'm the mystery "new member" of the Audio Horizons club. It fell to me to audition the incredible TP 2.0 MK2.
Actually, after dealing with an amp repair issue for over a month, I finally had a chance to listen to Joseph's TP 2.0n preamp.
It only took two days - one great listening session - to know that it was a slam-dunk for the TP 2.0n. A high WAF for the sonic improvement sealed the deal. The heck with the other 28 days of auditioning... I've sent my check in already.
I started with Joseph's stock EH tubes. A good friend who also owns a TP 2.0 was "kind" enough to let me try a very nice set of Amperex PQ 6922s. "Kind," in that I just HAD to have those tubes, boosting the overall layout for the pre.
No big deal at all. This things sings!
I'm running an Resolution Audio Opus 21 CDP, the TP 2.0n on Walker Valid Points, Spectron Musician II Class-D amp, Magnepan 3.3/R speakers with MYE stands. Joseph's Transparency powers the TP, with a mix of Lab 1, Synergistic, and DCCA PCs. Speaker cables are remote-sense from DH Labs.
Thanks to all on this thread. This discussion is what made me want to try the TP 2.0, even though I already had a VERY capable pre-amp.
Best,
Rob |
Rgd,
>> Curious - did you reverse your speaker leads???
As I understand it, I don't have to. According to Spectron, the remote sense cables take care of that.
Of course, I'm going to try it to see if there's any difference.
Rob |
I have a picture of a TP 2.0n with the black faceplate. Click on "Systems" by my username and you'll be able to see it.
I'd also concur with the evaluations above. I had a SS preamp that was very detailed, but just too bright and harsh. (I run Magnepan 3.3/R speakers.) The TP is a perfect replacement. I am running it with Amperex PQ white label tubes over the stock EH tubes.
Rob |
Question for TP 2.0 owners: What color or species of wood are your wooden knobs? Mine appear to be a reddish color. The color and the grain remind me of purpleheart without too much slant toward purple.
Are all the knobs the same, or are some made of maple, oak, etc.?
Might sound like a weird question, but I have a reason for asking.
Thanks,
Rob |
Thanks, all. I highly doubt that mine are oak or stained oak. The grain just doesn't look quite right for oak.
Sherod... you may want to do what I did for the volume control. Just take some titanium white acrylic paint and the smallest bristle brush you can find, or a toothpick. Dot a small bit of the white paint into the recessed dot on the volume knob and carefully wipe away any extra. The dot is bright enough to see even in the dim light that I usually listen by.
Markwatkiss... just guessing, but do you have a silver faceplate for the TP 2.0? My guess is that the darker colored knobs are for the black faceplate, the honey oak or lighter knobs are for the silver faceplate.
Rob |
Gammajo - Thanks for checking on that. I'm familiar with red heart. It's not overly common in this country.
I was witholding the reason for asking until I could get my system posted on Virtual Systems, which is now done.
If you take a look at my system, you'll see a picture of the TP 2.0n with purpleheart feet that I made up for the unit. (I'm a woodworker.) After having put a finish on the feet, they don't match quite as well as when the purpleheart was in unfinished form, but I do think the feet look very nice with the TP 2.0.
If any other TP owners are interested, it doessn't take too much effort to make these feet.
Rob |
~
Rx8man...
How do you have your DefTech subs hooked up? Are you using a crossover? I'm not sure how you're doing it because you haven't posted a system...
Rob |
Still here, as well.
We've been perfectly happy with our TP 2.0n and have gotten to the point where we're not tinkering with it... just good, pure sound.
Should I start a new thread for what follows? I've been considering adding analog to my system, although I'm taking my time to do the research. The question is: How is Joseph's TP 8.0 phono stage? Is there anyone out there with one of these so that I can get an evaluation? SciFi, I believe, was testing one of those units.
Rob |
Victor,
Thanks for the update!
From your post, I understand that there is not a huge sonic difference between the TP 2.0 and the TP 2.1 - 3dB - although it sounds like the chassis improvements and wire layout may be beneficial not only for Audio Horizons, but for some of us as well.
Do you plan any sort of "upgrade path" or "trade-in" incentive for current owners of the TP 2.0? Or, are the differences so nominal that it would be counter-productive? Could there be a lower price for those who would like to trade up?
I suppose I was wondering this, as some people like to have the "state of the art", especially when it comes to our beloved 2.0s.
Thanks,
Rob
|
Markwatkiss:
And the problem is...? {grin}
The only thing better than listening to the TP 2.0 is sharing the joy with others here, IMO. It is certainly one outstanding pre.
I'm not (really) planning to get one of the new 2.1 units, but was interested to see if Joseph and Victor had considered any sort of upgrade path or trade-in if one wants to go from 2.0 to 2.1. In my particular case, the slimmer chassis and new cable layout might be advantageous. Not to mention "more attractive..."
Rob |
Sherod,
Know what I like best about seeing the new wooden knobs on the 2.1? The fact that Victor and Joseph heard the feedback from this thread and did something about it!
That's incredibly responsive, IMO.
Rob |
Joe,
Black, with redheart knobs. (See pics under my System)
Rob |
-
Dear Joseph and Victor,
As with others here, I'd suggest going with the top-of-the-line version. I would also suggest that you make it extremely clear to the reviewer (and I would hope they'd include the information in the review) that there is a very accessible entry-level price point in addition to a very well-defined upgrade path for the unit being reviewed.
I consider this to be one of the strengths of the TP line; start with what you can afford and upgrade when you can, knowing that AH will take good care of your preamp.
I'm not so sure about including the stock EH tubes, though. I wasn't terribly impressed, to be truthful. After I installed the PQ White Labels, I was absolutely hooked. Perhaps you could provide the Siemens tubes already installed and a set of E-H tubes in case they want to note the differences.
As for the 8.0... I believe that you're getting into a tricky area, here. Not everyone is into vinyl... MM, or MC?... The 8.0 does increase the entry price point, making it potentially out of reach for some people... and other such considerations. Overall, I suppose I'd go for including the 8.0 as an integrated unit, but I'd make very sure that the reviewer realizes and notes that it is an OPTION.
I realize that one cannot tell a reviewer what to write, but if you provide enough information and make it clear that the TP 2.0n is a fantastic preamp at an affordable price, with a well-defined upgrade path to audio Nirvana, you should probably fare very well.
It would be my hope, too, that someone posts the review here when it's available!
Best,
Rob
|
Tvad,
That is correct.
That said, it hasn't affected my experience one bit. I have placement-sensitive Magnepan 3.3Rs, and I have muting on my cdp remote.
Rob |
Thanks, Victor...
It sounds like an attractive upgrade path. I had been considering sending my TP 2.0n in soon for an upgrade while on vacation.
I, for one, appreciate the goals that you have laid out, and it represents just one more reason why I love this preamp.
Rob |
Thanks, Rx8man...
One question that I still have: What are positions 1 & 3 used for, and what do positions 2 & 4 do on the TP 2.0?
Rob |
~
Hi all;
I'm rather new to tube equipment and high-end in general. This problem deals with the tubes on our TP 2.0n preamp.
The other night when listening, I noticed an unusual noise coming from the left speaker. We had just shaken the room with Micky Hart's Dafos album... serious bass on The Beam.
The noise was a cyclical, tinny, almost motor-like sound that would repeat in a 1-2-3 pattern. It was very noticeable from the listening position - enough to interrupt the session. Interestingly, it had the same tone or pitch as the microphonics that I *sometimes* hear on the pre-amp... if I tap the volume knob, I get that ringing sound. I turned off the TP 2.0 for a minute or two, re-started, and the sound was no longer there.
Just for gits and shiggles, I later rolled the tubes over one position. 1 went to position 2, 2 to 3, ..., 4 to position 1. I ensured that they were well seated, and then reinstalled Herbie's Tube Dampers a bit higher up - about as high up the tube as I could get them.
When I went to play again, at idle the preamp was dead silent. No microphonics - which continues to be the case - no recurrence of the cyclical noise.
So, the questions are: What's going on with the tubes? What might I have done to correct the problem - was it reseating, or repositioning? Do I have a tube going bad? If a bad tube were in, say, position 1 and then moved to position 2, am I going to be missing or risking something?
The tubes in question are Amperex PQ white label 6922s.
Thanks! I have no doubt that someone knows what's going on here.
Rob
|
David,
Yes, thanks, I saw your information about the tube positions. The answer seems to be in line with what I've experienced.
You may want to re-think your decision not to upgrade to better tubes. Joseph sells quality tubes - Siemens, if I recall correctly? When I received the TP2.0n, it came stock with EH tubes. I replaced them with Amperex PQ White Labels, and the difference was like comparing apples to automobiles.
Rob |
Markwatkiss: "... trust everyone is well."
My TP2.0 is still doing great and I enjoy it immensely. My amp, on the other hand, rolled over on me (don't ask - it involved sparks...) and I'll be down and out for about a month.
The good news is that I'm getting an "upgrade", so it should be even better when it returns.
No music... stinks.
Rob |
Yes, great review. It's nice to see Audio Horizons getting the positive press it deserves!
Congrats!
Rob |
They're in there, Mrjstark. The board on the lower right has 4 6922s.
Oddidoo: I have the 2.0n version. While stock, I added in some Amperex PQ White Label tubes and haven't seen any reason to move beyond that point. |
I'm late chiming in due to travels.
Still have the TP 2.0n (Amperex PQ White Labels), and still lovin' it.
Victor - I did something a bit different for downloaded music. I've ripped my collection to Apple Lossless, stored on an external disk hanging off an Airport Base Station wireless router. I hook my MacBook Pro via USB to a HagUSB device, then feed that into the digital input on my Resolution Audio Opus 21 CDP, utilizing the DAC internal to the Opus. It works well and is easy to set up any time I want to use it. Perhaps not the greatest fidelity, but "Party Shuffle" makes up for it when I'm out on the deck.
Rob |
Victor -
Wow! That would be great, as I already appreciate the sound, though I do observe a difference from Redbook playback. (I needed to do this setup on a budget.)
Can't wait!
Rob |
