Anyone famaliar with the manufacturer,and in particular this pre amp.The credentials and testimonials seem impressive.The advertised 10 day audition is appealing.
It doesn't seem that anyone has compared the Modwright 36.5 two box pre to the AH 2.1. Anyone interested in an taking an educated guess as to how they might compare? Other than probably sounding different would you think that they are in the same league sonically, even thought the MW is 3X the cost OR do you think that due to the 3X factor and the separate PS the MW would have the edge? Please just email me personally if you have any ideas but would rather not post...thx
My opinion,you have to audition both,to make an educated guess is sorta like trying to predict the weather.There's just too many variables with system synergies and prejudices.
Tvad...thx. I agree with your guestimate, but understand that unless you compared both in the same system at the same time, you never know. I'm sure the AH is great, especially at the price point, but the MW should be competitive with cost no object designs. Thx again.
I recently looked at a current ad photo of a TP 2.1nb preamp and the photo shows the power supply board without the added two caps and with the extra two diodes. If this isn't current, why hasn't Victor updated the photos as previously mentioned? Current photos would help in eliminating confusion in identifying the differences between the original 2.0 vs. the current 2.1. The current photo does show the new caps on the line board. I'm contemplating retrying the new caps in the outputs vs. the original Hovlands as I heard a bigger difference in the wire harnesses than anything else. YMMV (O:
Sherod, I have asked Joseph to update the interior photos of the TP 2.1n and nB, at least in the ads. We are soon going to thoroughly redesign the web site.
On another note: Given how frequently the Audio Horizons preamplifier is compared to preamplfiers costing far more, as recently evidenced by the posts comparing the $3270 TP 2.1nB to the $9000 Modwright 36.5, Joseph and I have been entertaining a further extensive upgrade that will still keep our top of the line preamplifier under $4000 but hopefully end some of our auditioner's reservations when comparing our top of line 2.1 to more expensive units. These plans are still on the drawing boards, but theoretically what we envision will yield substantial sonic benefits. The present versions would not change; we would just add another layer of excellence at the top. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts not only about such an upgrade but any thoughts you have about what you think should be added to the present preamplifier to raise it to an even higher level of excellence.
Total heresy here but I'll toss out the suggestion anyway: optional tone controls (mainly the ability to roll off highs for bad recordings). I use it on my McIntosh C46 judiciously and find it hard to live without. (Just try listening to early Beatles without it.) There is an underground demand for this, even if it degrades the performance a bit. Even if you don't use it for your speakers, it's great for headphone listening (Grados and AKGs really benefit from some roll off, as do many speakers.) I like to feed my headphone amp from my preamp to get remote volume control capability (most headphone amps have no remote), and the treble roll-off is really needed sometimes. As an option, this would be great. Of course, there should be a bypass switch. I think it would set your preamp apart from the field, as no competitor offers it (except Mac and Accuphase, as far as I can see.) Thanks!
Victor i like your idea for 2.1 and will be checking this thread for the release of your new upgrade. I could not be any happier with my AH preamp. I know if you have ideas for making that fine unit better i am all for it. On the input side i would like a phase reversal switch. Vinyl is my front end of choice for superior sound and some lps are pressed out of phase, a phase SW would make life easier. Rgs92 i am also a Beatles disciple and read you post on the early recordings. Have you tried the MFSL or the English blue box recordings on vinyl, no problems with upper frequencies. I was going broke trying to find early pressing that had good sound. I still give early lps a shot but enjoy my reissues better sound wise.
Victor, With this new, upgraded version on Joseph's drawing board, will this be available as an upgrade to the older 2.0 as well as the 2.1 or will it be different enough in topology to qualify it as an all new model preamp? Without giving any proprietary details away, can you tell us what the basic improvements will be? Will the upgrades be mainly in the linestage circuitry or the power supply?
Rgs92. Luxman has a new preamp with tone controls also.
As we all know audiophiles look down on tone controls but will spend $100's and even $1000's on cables to do the same thing. I for one would welcome tone controls if it could be done without degrading the signal, perhaps as you suggested by switching it out. Frank
One of our customers was so impressed with the Transparency AC Power Cord he sold all his high end cords, and while at it suggested that Joseph design and market a power conditioner. Frankly we had never even considered it. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on his suggestion.
Personally I think that the market is already over-saturated with AC power conditioners. Unless Joseph can introduce something very cost-effective and revolutionary, I think he'd be better off focussing on his previous plans of introducing a unique power amplifier. Also, Victor, how are the plans going for an upgraded SOTA preamp which you mentioned in a previous thread?
You are a breath of fresh air. You are right on the money regarding "over-saturated" market for AC Conditioners. And I agree why distract Joseph from coming out with the improvements that will benefit all AH owners more. The power cord does it all anyway and it can be further tweeked.
I removed the solder and cleaned both ends then used "bare" crimping on the plugs for a clean connection. Power cord hunting ended that day.
Sherod, we are pushing ahead with our plans for a further top end upgrade to the 2.0-2.1, but we are encountering some difficulties given how extensive some of the changes have to be. We're still working on them and how to make them generally available. In any event, that upscale upgrade will not be introduced until 2009.
Thanks for the update Victor keep us informed of further progress with upgrade of 2.1. I am in between lps and have to mention just how fine of a job Audio Horizons has done with 2.1, i could not be any happier. Looking forward to what you guys have in mind on improving this fine preamp.
I third the power conditioner adventure,too many already,stick with your core business.Still happy with my 2.0n,now that there is a suggestion of a new top tier pre amp in the wind I don't have to concern myself with upgrading to a 2.1.Enjoy the rest of summer everyone.
I use the Audio Horizons tube DAC, the preamplifier, and interconnects in my system. I've used them for nearly three years. All of the products have been completely trouble-free. They always turn on; there are no extraneous noises.
Is my experience typical? Are these products uncommonly reliable as well as uncommonly musical?
Never had any problems in the two-plus years I've had my TP 2.0n preamp. Just as musical as the first day I received it. I'm still using the same tubes as well and I have put many hours on my preamp. I'm wondering if Joseph designed the circuit to put minimal stress on the tubes. I've thought of getting a good tube tester to check from time to time how much life is left on the tubes, but I'd imagine that I'll know when they start making noise and/or start losing their wonderful sound. Maybe Joseph or Victor can tell us what signs to listen for to let us know when the tubes need to be replaced.
Hi everyone,I'm looking for some insight into a technical glitch.I acquired an AH TP 2.0,upgraded to 2.1 status,for a friend.It apparently has a 60 cycle hum which is only noticeable when you stand by the unit and not in the listening position.Well you know how that goes it's driving him nuts.Any insight would be helpful and a pm would be fine.
Markwatkiss is it humming with no inputs connected.
I also have been enjoying my AH without any problems just great musical enjoyment. Though i am using Siemans cca i am looking into trying different tubes to hear what Telefunken and others would bring.
Its been a while since the announcement of upgrade to 2.1 by Joseph is any word known on this upgrade.
I had this same transformer hum - mechanical - coming from the unit itself and not through the speakers. Some transformer/power supplies do and some don't. May want to check to make sure it is tight as a loose bolt or two will cause a mechanical hum. Other then that, replace with a quiet transformer/power supply.
Sometimes adhesives that bind the stacked plates which are part of the power transformer will weaken and allow vibration. We hear it as a hum. I suspect that is what your friend is hearing. It is a common occasional problem with transformers of any manufacturer.
Knowing that it exists, even if you can't hear it while listening, is annoying. However, as long as the hum is inaudible, it does not degrade the quality of the music you receive from the system. It is not an electrical problem; it is a mechanical one - the unadhered sections of the transformer plates are vibrating.
If adhesive failure is the problem, then when you press down on the top of the power transformer to dampen the vibration,the sound probably will go away. I think the solution is replacement of the power transformer rather than repair of it. The adhesive failure is between the plates and cannot be repaired.
If that is the problem, it requires skill to remove the transformer withour damaging the pads of the printed circuit board (pcb). Don't attempt it unless you are good with a soldering iron.
Anyone heard Joseph's top of the line IC? Any impressions will be helpful. Dimension I believe is the name. Anyone has thoughts on how the AH 2.0 is holding up in their system.
I still have my original 2.0n version. I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but when I reverted back to the 2.0n from the 2.1n, the biggest difference to my ears was with the wire harnesses. I much prefer the old harness vs. the new one. My latest system epiphany was finding a pair of NOS vintage Mullard Ecc82, 1958 tubes I put in the driver stage of my VAC Musicblocs. These Mullards raised the musical level of my system another huge notch. Thanks for keeping this thread alive, Luis. I hope you are well. I'm still sold on the wonderful compatibility of the Fusion Audio power cords on my amps and preamp. With these Fusion cords, there's an ease and naturalness along with excellent dynamics that is close to that "Absolute Sound" we compulsives try to achieve. I'm so content with my system right now that I'm actually listening to it less due to my recent comeback to playing my trumpet again. I bought a refurbished Bach Stradivarius that I'm having a blast on once again. Although the economy sucks right now, I'm doing my best to keep a positive outlook on life. It takes some work, though. (O:
I wonder about the new harness you mentioned Sherod. Any more info about its design? Does the 2.1n & 2.0n at least share the same musical bloodline?
Who makes the Fusion cords? Clio09 mentioned that you are a big fan.
So glad that you are into "real" music these days. And as to the new Mullards, I am not surprised. Nice to see you are doing well. Rx8man seems to also and thats important in a good or bad economy.
Luis, I'm not sure what the differences are between the new and old harnesses. The new harnesses are smaller gauge and more flexible than the old. Maybe Joseph or Victor can further explain. Joseph might want to keep the two versions proprietary. As far as the sound of the 2.0 vs. the 2.1, in my system they were very different. In my system and in my humble opinion, I preferred the original 2.0, although now that I feel that the old harness had a better sound to my ears, I might some day put back in the new version caps to give them another listen. My system sounds so good now that I'm afraid of changing anything for fear of moving backwards. I've done that on occasion when experimenting with tweaks and sometimes after trying a combination of various tweaks and going backwards with the sound, I'll forget just what I changed and trying to get back what my ears originally liked would be painstaking. I've learned the hard way to do one tweak at a time, document that tweak, and listen carefully before trying the next tweak. I'm tired and not thinking clearly tonight, so I hope I didn't make things seem too confusing. (O:
La45 i use Dimension balanced, rca ics, bi speaker wiring and can say they help create my systems believable 3d airy presentation. Thats because they seem to have no impact of there own just pass sound clearly. Well made and highly transparent. BTW are you located in any area near La45.
Thanks for the info. I probably will keep things the same then and perhaps try the Fusion cords. I have gone Server digital (PC Audio)these days with the Transporter and I am still working on maximizing its potential.
Stl you seem to like the Dimensions. Did you compare them? I am on the east coast and my set up is Single ended with Grover's/Joseph's Mix of speaker cable and Harmony IC with an eye on the Silkworm cables to try.
Yes La45 i am enjoying Josephs Dimension ics and speaker wire. I have compared them to JPS superconductor 2, and Josephs Transparency line. I've been to AHs web site recently and see it has changed some. What i dont understand it the lack of description concerning Dimension cables. One thing i noticed though is the price has not changed since i made my purchase and thats a good thing. I am in Louisiana and drive La 45 every day. Have a good one.
Luis, If you read through the previous posts, you'll see that the majority of those who upgraded to the 2.1 version actually liked it better, so that puts me in the minority, and there's a good probability that you might prefer the new version more. It could be just the way my system is put together that makes me prefer the older 2.0 version. The Fusion Impulse power cord is a perfect compliment for my preamp, however, this is an Audio Horizons thread and Joseph has his own power cord line. I don't want to take away from that.( I still use the original Premium power cord version in my system). I think we discussed this in a phone call a while back where we both preferred the less expensive model, the Premium, to the Transparency model.
Too bad...Louisianna is a trek for me from Connecticut :) Would have liked to meet you. Perhaps if you are serving up Gumbo and I happen to be at Mardi Gras....
Sherod
Indeed its hard to pinpoint opinion on this thread as to the 2.0 upgrade. You are right that systems and preferences vary and are none absolute. I happen to respect a more critical mind like yours especially when you made it a mission to improve the older version yourself by upgrading the caps.
La45, It's been a while, but I paid Joseph to install the upgrade on my preamp. from what I recall there were three things done in the upgrade. When I decided to "downgrade" back to the original version, Joseph was very kind in walking me through it to revert it back myself to save on labor and shipping charges. The first upgrade was in the power supply. This upgrade required replacing two diodes with two capacitors to increase the voltage . The next was replacing the main output caps with the newer versions. The last one, and most difficult was replacing the wire harness. The hardest and most time-consuming as it was very difficult soldering the wires back to the volume pot. I actually broke off one of the pot terminals and had to order another new pot from Joseph( $40.00) All of this hassle has made me reluctant about doing else to it. I have, from time to time, contemplated trying a pair of the expensive Dueland DSF copper caps. I have read that these are amazing, particularly in speaker crossovers, but they would work in the preamp since Joseph keeps the voltage low in the outputs. I have for a long time, been a DIY guy as I have gotten better with soldering and it is fun sometimes if you like to do that DIY technical kind of thing. If you're not confident in doing it yourself(diy) then let Joseph do it as you could hurt either yourself or void your preamp warrantee.
La 45 if you are ever down to the big easy get in touch and we will pass a good time.
For those interested, upgrades to 2.1 will be forth coming a reply from Victor by email.
Sometime in November we will announce two new upgrades for 2009. They are expensive upgrades, one affecting the entire power supply, and one providing another level of upgrade quality to the circuit and caps. Combined, the two would provide a dramatic increase in the performance of older 2.0 and 2.1 preamps.
I will have more to say about this on the discussion forum and in a newsletter later this month.
I'm wondering if this upgrade will be available for us DIY-types to save money or if we have to send it to Joseph. I look forward to Victor's announcement.
Sherod- Great info about your DIY experience. Any others? I am not afraid of the iron myself. But that wire harness story, you are a brave man.
Stltrains, will take you up on your offer for sure since Louisianna is a fascinating destination especially for its music vibes.
Upgrade for the AH, lord have mercy time to start saving in my piggy bank. Thanks so much for waking us up. Now, Victor no more promises lets see the upgrades.
I am still in love with my AH 2.0 but am getting the itch to upgrade my amp, currently Aragon 8008BB dual mono 200 watt per with 26 watt class A. Has anyone been talking recently to AH about whether they are going to build an amp? I am driving speakers biwired that are 92db and 8ohm top and 4ohm load bottom. I am considering Pass Labs XA60.5 or XA100.5 or INT 150 integrated. Do you think the 60 will be powerful enough, it is all class A doubling into 4 ohm. Anyone have comments on this or others to consider. I have never had monoblocks. Are they really that much better than a quality single box unit? Thanks for your input.
Tvad Thanks for the perfectly tailored to my situation answer. Followup questions, if I may, that you can answer privately or on this thread. How do you like and how would you describe the 60.5 sound? Did you audition the XA100.5's and see any differences? I have heard the XA100.5's and they seems fabulous but are over my comfort zone in price. Joe
I just installed a pair of new Claritycap MR caps in my TP 2.0n preamp. So far, they only have about 24 hours on them, but I think these might just raise this already great-sounding preamp to another plateau. Stay tuned.
I just recalled that Victor was going to make an announcement( it's been a while) of a new all-out-assault flagship preamp. Has anyone heard any news about that lately?
I emailed Victor and Audio Horizons several times in the past 5 months about the upgrade with out a response from AH. Mighty strange i would say. Hoping all is OK with Victor and Joseph. I'm a happy music lover with my 2.1nrb with early 60s Siemens CCAs.
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