Anyone famaliar with the manufacturer,and in particular this pre amp.The credentials and testimonials seem impressive.The advertised 10 day audition is appealing.
Mark, I will tell you all the power cord brand and names in a little while. I need to get the full measure of these cords in my system before I make a final decision. So far, I'm very impressed. Maybe by week's end. Stay tuned. You know I can't keep a secret too long. I'm still living happily with the stock Hovland output caps in my TP 2.0n.
Happy five hundredth post day to all who post here! TVAD let us know what you think of the Mullards - at the present I am very happy with a sweet quad of cca's. For almost six months now I have not had the top off the unit for tube rolling. Many nights I am moved to tears by the beauty of the music - that is my final criteria.
i have a in home audition 2.1n pre with remote and siemens tubes coming. im looking forward to hearing this preamp in my system. also its just a pleasure dealing with joseph and victor. a first class operation thanks guys
Here's hoping that the TP 2.1n will be a good synergistic match in your system. Have fun with the evaluation and please keep us posted these next couple of weeks on its progress. Don't forget to allow a good 72 hours to pre-burn in before you do any serious evaluations.
Has anyone upgraded the 2.0n to the 2.1n and can you tell us what you found? I am not entirely sure the 2.1 is "better" sounding as it just may be different sounding? I don't know as I am thinking of doing the upgrade with the new caps, but have second thoughts.
I don't want to lose some of the warmth and "tube" sound by going to the new caps. I understand the new caps may be more extended, purer etc - but are they as musical?
Well, Bill, I guess no one has yet upgraded to the new 2.1 from their 2.0. The upgrade consists of other things as well as the caps. In order to get Joseph's new caps, you have to buy the entire upgrade package. He won't sell the caps separately. I've already asked Victor. I am going to speculate that unless this new cap wasn't better, and more musical as well,that Joseph wouldn't be offering it in the new 2.1 version. Based on what Victor e-mailed me about his impressions on this new cap, he says that it is superior in every way to the current upgraded Hovland cap, i.e. more musical.
Okay, then Sherod, why haven't you upgraded to the new 2.1n package? Well, as much as I'd like to( I might in the future) I am currently enjoying my 2.0n so much that the thought of having to carefully pack up my preamp, take it to fedex on the other side of town, ship it to Joseph and wait another two weeks until I get it back, well, I hate knowing that my preamp will be away from me for so long. And also, I am currently breaking in some new power cords( to be announced soon) on both my monoblocs and preamp so I still have a couple more weeks before they settle in so I want to get the full measure of these cords before I do any other tweaking or upgrades. Kapish? What a fun hobby this is.
Thanks Sherod. I have emailed Joseph and will upgrade my dac or pre. Not sure which would have the most impact and am getting his opinion on which to start with.
Grannyring, My 2.0nB was modified to reflect the 2.1 changes. I perceive the result as improving the articulateness of the soundstage. In my system, the soundstage became deeper and the instrument positions more precise. Voices became more relaxed, natural. I associate these improvements with the positive characteristics of tube signal handling. Other (negative) characteristics associated with tubes - loss of bass control, noisier signal - did not appear with the modification. Both my preamp and my tube DAC received the new capacitors. I think the more significant improvement came to the pre-amp
Rja While I ultimately went with cca's in the great tube shootout with the 2.0, I liked the PQ's alot and actually kept a quad of PQ's to change out for variety within my unit. They had a very dynamic, lively and splashy sound with my equipment with no harshness.
Joe, I'm happy to see that you are so happy with your system that you're willing to wait until you're snowed in before you tweak your preamp anymore. I'm curious if anyone has tried the elusive Amperex pinched waist 6922 tubes. They are rare and expensive. I have not yet found a deal on a pair, but I'd love to try a pair or hear from someone who has. In the meantime, I am happy with the Siemens CCa tubes in one and three location. By the way, Markwattkiss. I am still in the final stages of previewing these new power cords, but I think I can reveal the company now. They are made by Fusion Audio. I have the Predator and Impulse models in my system. I'm still a week or so away from making a final decision, but so far, I'm very impressed.
I am getting the 2.1nR should be here Friday. I see were people are changing out tubes 1 and 3. Can I ask why those two?? I have a pretty good stash of NOS tubes I am going to be trying but am curious as to why different tubes in 1&3 and 2&4?? what do these tube locations do. Thanks for any help
Has anyone compared this to a VTL 5.5? I've listened to a BAT vk31, a recent Mcintosh pre (C200?), a mid-end CJ premiere, and didn't like any of them.
I only got to listen to the VTL 2.5 (they were out of stock of the 5.5), but I loved the sonic signature of it - the tone and timber were right where they should be for my personal tastes. I was disappointed however by the the fact that it lacked instrument separation and that the orchestra strings were bloated. The salesman told me that the VTL 5.5 corrects those two shortcomings.
I am tempted to buy this sound-unheard, but I am still debating with the VTL 5.5 whose sonic signature I know that I will enjoy.
Josh, I personally haven't had an opportunity to have a VTL 5.5 preamp in my system so I can't offer a comparison for you. My suggestion is that you ask the dealer to let you borrow a VTL 5.5 and listen to it in your system for a trial period. Audio Horizons has a 30 day return policy so you can get a 2.1n version to compare to the VTL in your own system. In my opinion, this is the best way for you to make your decision. Your system and room acoustics are more than likely different than your dealer's room, so get them both in your system for some serious listening with your favorite music.
Btstrg - I was told by the AH representative, Victor that positions 1 and 3 were a bit more critical to the sound than positions 2 & 4. That is the rational for using the best tubes that you can afford there, if you can only afford two really great tubes instead of four. This comes from the cost of great cca's at times pushing $300 each. I opted however to use cca's in all four positions under the idea that it is often best to have matched tubes accross the board in a given unit and that the sound benefit was worth the cost. By being patient I think usually you can find a matched quad of whatever you want at a more reasonable cost. My quads of cca's cost me about $600 I think, and all other options such as Telefunkens, Mullards and Amperex could be found cheaper than this. Let us know what tubes you try from your current stash. And welcome to the AH "club"
Gammajo Thanks for the info, as for tubes I have quads of Amperex pinched waist, PQ D getter,cca's, Mullards and numerous other's. I use four in my amps and have been stashing tubes away for years should be kind of fun tube rolling as I haven't done that alone for a couple years. I will try all but was a bit confused on the different tubes being used in the different positions. Thanks again for your response.
Btsrg, Please let me know how you like the pinched waists in the preamp. It's the only tube I don't have access to, but then, I could live happily ever after with these Siemens CCa. By the way, I have tried both a Transparent and Premium power cord on my preamp. For the money, they are very good, but in all honesty, there are much better cords, however, for a price. I don't mean to down-play any of Joseph's products because his preamp is the best I've had in my system and his other mods and upgrades are fantastic. His modded version of my Citation 18 tuner is an amazing achievement. This is currently my favorite source of listening in the evenings while I browse these forum threads. Mr. Chow is a genius when it comes to lowering noise level in audio components. I previously had an Electraglide Epiphany X which I thought was just a perfect match for my TP 2.0n; until recently, I came across a new copper/silver blended foil/ribbon power cord that is unbelievable. My TP 2.0n has never sounded better. I can't even imagine it sounding any better. In fact, I'll go so far as to say, I'm done for a long while in my preamp searches. My 5ft. Epiphany X will be up for sale soon. Any fellow TP 2.0 owners want a brother-in-law deal?
Joshclark, I owned a VTL 5.5 which I compared to the Audio Horizons TP 2.0nB. The VTL came in a distant second place in that contest. The Audio Horizons preamp excelled in soundstage, dynamics, resolution, ... . As someone inclined toward VTL products (through two preamp models, two power amp models), I was surprised at how much better the AH preamp performed.
i received my 2.1 yesterday and a fine looker it is, silver and wood. my audition 2.1 came with rpnb and siemens tubes. joseph also sent a transparency power cord, and ic. the remote must have upgrades in the future as a phase button along with input selection is on my remote. the phase option with be a fine addition. i am using my wire for now, but plan on trying the supplied wire from cp. i am letting the unit play all day for break in and will give it a good listening to in a few days. i take it that cca tubes will bring better sound for 2.1 from reading all of the posts on this thread.
Stltrains, The tubes are a matter of personal taste in what sounds best in your system. I personally prefer the accuracy, neutrality and great upper extension of the Siemens CCa in my system, but you might prefer another brand for its personality in your system. It's a good idea to let the preamp burn-in for a few days before you seriously evaluate it in your system. Also, if you are introducing a new power cord, allow at least 150 hours for it to break in as well. I look forward to hearing your listening impressions.
Sherod thanks for your reply, your description of what cca does in your system is a must for me. compared to my nuforce p-9 for now the 2.1 is a little short in upper extension but better on the bottom. i am not drawing any conclusions yet just early observations. do you know what if any upgrades are planed for the extras on the remote.
On initial listening when I first got my TP 2.0n, the highs were rolled off, the mids restricted, and the bass a little loose and light sounding. You'll gradually hear better and better improvements over the next few days. I have had mine for about a year and a half now, so I can't recall when everything clicked in on the sound, but after 72 hours, you should be about 85-90% there, and that is leaving the unit on 24/7. When you do eventually turn it off to conserve on tube life and electricity, the unit will sound nice upon initial turn-on, but will sound its best after roughly 45 minutes once the circuits settle in. YMMV.
I just wanted to give my fellow TP 2.0/2.1 owners an update on these new power cords in my system. They have just passed the 250 hour mark in my system, so I feel that they have gone through all their strange ups and downs, shifts, etc. in achieving their final break in. In three words, "Oh my God!" These are the most amazing power cords I have ever experienced. They are the new Fusion Audio cords. I have the bottom line Predator models on my VAC monoblocs and the Impulse model on my preamp. If you do a search of some of my cable posts you'll see that I have been a cable junky for quite a few years, going back to 1977 when I swapped out my Monster Cable 12 guage speaker cables for the new MIT MH 750 Music Hose speaker cables. When I heard the difference in my meager system consisting then of Vandersteen 2B speakers, Musical Concepts modified Hafler DH200 amp, and modified Stew Hegeman preamp, I was floored by the difference that this cable swap made. This was at a time when some reviewers were saying that cables didn't make a difference. If you have a pair of good ears, the answer to those naysayers back then was "Hogwash!" In the past 25-30 years I have experienced a wide variety of cables( interconnects, speaker cables, and within the last 5 years--power cords. In power cords, I have had some of the best in my system from reputable manufacturers, DIY home-made, not-so-reputable, and some in-betweeners. A partial list of names is: VH Audio, Shunyata, Synergistic Research, Electraglide, Acoustic Zen, Elrod, Virtual Dynamics,Dream State, and a few others I can't recall. Some of these cords made a good impression and some didn't work out so well. The reasons were possibly poor synergy, poor design, or who knows. I recently read briefly about this new power cord line from Fusion Audio and was able to get a few of the new production cords that I mentioned for a discount because one of the partners, Kirk, is a long time acquaintance/friend whom I have communicated with for a few years about our systems and recently became a customer when Kirk became a joint dealer for Electraglide. Kirk sent me the cords after I made a security deposit with him with the stipulation that I evaluate them for a few weeks and if they didn't work out in my system I could send them back, paying only the shipping both ways. I thought, "Why not?' I'm game for trying something new. The cords were new with no break in. Normally the manufacturer will pre-break in the cords on a cooker prior to shipping to the customer, but Eric, the actual maker and other partner, had to rush make these up for me to ship off as Kirk had to travel out of town, so I told them to ship asap and I would go through the lengthy period of their break-in( They actually didn't really start sounding wonderful until about the 185 hour mark.) Anyway, to make a long story( review?) short, these power cords are staying in my system. They have lifted my system to celestial heights and I am not exagerating one bit. I had the older version( better than current) of the Electraglide Epiphany X on my TP 2.0n and thought it sounded as good as it could get. The Fusion Audio Impulse is substantially better in all regards to the Epiphany X. Fellow TP 2.0 owners. You haven't lived until you put a Fusion Audio Impulse on your preamp. Take it from a long time power cord nut who has tried 90% of the best stuff out there. The Fusion Audio power cord lines are the culmination of many months of trial and error, fine-tuning through careful listening on premium components in various systems. The standard cords come with the fairly inexpensive Wattgate connectors, reason being that they were the most neutral of anything out there. For those systems that need extra warmth, brightness, etc. for a nominal fee you can choose from a variety of Oyaide, Furutech, and other popular connectors. As for me, I'm happy with the cheap Wattgates because I prefer neutrality and naturalness( read: Alive) in my system. I was going to write a separate review on these power cords, but I can't write worth a damn and it takes too long with my two-fingered typing. It's a miracle that I was able to write this much but I forced myself to because of my extreme enthusiasm for this new power cord line. In conclusion, please believe me that I am writing this information strictly as a satisfied customer. I am not a dealer ( although I wouldn't mind being one) and I'm not a shill. I didn't get these for free( I already said that I got a discount)and I'm not getting any form of payment from Fusion Audio. They didn't ask me to write up anything about their cords. I am writing this from my heart as I am merely a typical audiophile seeking to extract every nuance of beautiful music that I can from my system. This is my love and my hobby.
Is there any involvement from MR. Hall of Electraglide in these cords?? The design looks allot like his cords.I know Audiofankj was selling Electraglide cords and know Electraglide used to be in Alpharetta Ga and Audio Surroundings which is selling the new power cords is also in Alpharetta, GA ?
Have you tried these on other components I am looking for a new cord myself,I use two Epiphany X's in my system now.
I wish these cords were not so expensive. I bet they are fantastic, but unfortunately the cost is to rich for this audionut.
I did spend the $330 for upgrading to the AH 2.1 however. My unit is due back Wednesday. I will give a full report once it burns in a little. Joseph did the work the day he received my unit so won't be without a preamp very long!
Fusion Audio has no relationship to Scott Hall or Electraglide. Yes, they are a similar design in that they use copper and silver foil conductors, but they were designed and voiced by the owner of Fusion Audio. That is where the similarity ends. In my humble opinion, these new Fusion Audio cords are far superior not only in quality, but definitely in sound. I am going to sell my 5 ft. older Epiphany X cord soon if you are interested. Contact Kirk at Fusion Audio for details.
I am curious. For AH preamp owners I wonder how many listen primarily to digital sources (CD) and how many mostly enjoy thier LP collection? I have an decent LP collection but I listen primarily to digital, more precisely my guess is 95%CD and 5% LP. That may change soon as I gear up the analogue side.
Gammajo i am auditioning a 2.1 and i will say this about digital to vinyl. i am like you on the ratio. i have played cds during my time with 2.1 and i am very pleased with digital play back through 2.1. it still does not rank with vinyl in terms of transparency and resolution, but all in all digital played through 2.1 has great musical playback and easy listening. IMHO i have discovered by trying myrtle wood, aurios, brass footers, that brass footers improves imaging, and adds more transparency and air than the others. IMHO after a great night of staying up way late rocking and rolling that this 2.1 is coming along very well. upper air and a smooth transparent sound is getting more and more apparent. bass with super slam, and magical mids, this tubed preamp mates very well with my amps i listen to classic rock most and had the volume turned up and had a real pleasing night of music.
Good news Stltrains. I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying your new preamp. I had a gut feeling that it would mate well with your amp. Keep us posted on the further developments.
Sherod, Thanx for the information on the power cords.Even with the Canadian dollar on par that's way too rich for me.Having said that I will be taking delivery of a REF 3 next week for comparison purposes.I believe contrasting statements like that are called oxymorons,he said laughingly.Will post my impressions at some point thereafter.
Rx8man, I was shocked to see that you had sold your beloved VAC 220 monoblocs. I hope everything is all right for you. Did you ever get a chance to visit Robert to evaluate his Sason speakers? What's going on in your system?
I just shipped Joseph my preamp to do a little servicing and tweaking for me. I hope it gets to him by the 10th as he is going to be at the RMAF show through the 14th. I'm still not sure if he is going to demonstrate any of his products or if he is just going to see what is there. Anybody else know what Joseph will be doing at the RMAF?
Got my upgraded 2.0 back from Joseph and have been listening for 3 hours. I will share my initial impressions after a couple more hours. Let's just say I can't wait to listen more!
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