Tact Pre Amps 2.2XP

The XP has WAY more functionality than a 2.0s. I've owned the 2.0s, the 2.2X, and the 2.2XP. The XP has processors so fast that ALL corrections are done instantaneously.

You don't have to use a laptop, but with the XP connected to the laptop you can play with XO frequencies, slopes, target curves, and even the unprecedented dynamic room correction, which is basically a variable loudness control.

Boz told me recently they're working on a crosstalk elimination function that will keep signals from the left speaker from going into the right ear.

This also shows something cool about the XP - it's still under software development where I doubt the others are. As they release new functions, they become available by easy download. It's not future-proof, but it is still current and a kick-ass piece of gear.

I don't have any experience with mods to the units, but I've heard nothing but good. One thing - I don't like the stock DAC sound. Maybe it's primarily the power supply or the DACs need better parts, but overall I have enjoyed outboard DACs out of the digital outs much more than the stockers.

If I were a manufacturer showing my wares, I don't think I'd use a TacT. The main reason is that you'd be showing a "corrected" sound which wouldn't be duplicated in a listener's home, unless they also used a TacT.

Some might say that the room is a giant equalizer and if ever there was a room needing equalization, that would be a show-room. This is true. However, sound shows are sales jobs and the showgoers, i.e. clientele should be suspicious of a "black box" processing the sound they hear.

The TacT does correct room response at one listening position. This does not mean it sounds bad at other locations, quite the contrary. I am very happy to listen to my system at all locations in the listening room. Is it "locked in" like at the prime spot? No, but neither is any system. To my ears, the sound everywhere in the room is better than uncorrected.

There are some systems out there that attempt to correct at multiple positions, I believe the Lyngdorf model does this. This is appealing at first, but my hesitation is that if frequency response is tailored to multiple positions, doesn't that mean response at the prime listening position is compromised? I can't see it any other way.

According to Boz, the idea of crosstalk cancellation is not new but the execution has never been satisfactory. They're working on perfecting it now. I had the same question about the sweet spot, he said the sound will definitely suffer outside the sweetspot and one probably would not engage the feature for social listening sessions.

If one's room is perfect, there may be no need for a TacT. Controlling bass modes is one of its primary features, but it does a lot of other stuff too. Digititis? Try dropping the treble response a few db. If you're using high efficiency speakers that can get shouty in the presence band, use the parametric EQ to tame that band. Sub/mains integration issues? ANY combination can be optimized. Too soft on top, bump it up there. The point is that even if your room is "perfect", you may prefer a little assistance here and there to satisfy your own personal preferences.

Remember, the goal isn't "flat" response. You can do that, but within 30 seconds, you'll be looking to one of the optimized curves, all of which can be tweaked and saved.

Cable junkies would be wise to try one of these. Most of them would probably stop cable swapping after trying one.

The downsides are primarily a steepish learning curve, a pervasive doubt that you have Completely Optimized the system, and the DACs. Lots of people like them but I don't. It is possible some 16-bit DACs may not like the XP, my Altmann didn't and an Ack! 2.0 I tried also did not.

I bought my unit directly through TacT. They've always been prompt and courteous with service and seem like a really good company.