Tvc passive pre advice

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by oceanobsession, Mar 2, 2008.

  1. oceanobsession

    oceanobsession

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2007
    Messages:
    131
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi all. Whats the best value for money tvc passive pre.
    I would be using a rotel rb981 power amp Input Impedance/Sensitivity 33 k Ohms/1.0 volt.
    my cd player is an arcam cd 192 output level (0db) 2.2vrms
    would these values be ok
    cheers ocean
     
    oceanobsession, Mar 2, 2008
    #1
  2. oceanobsession

    stugeek

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    I used to use an RB-981 with a traditional passive-pre. I have no idea how a TVC pre works but with a traditional passive the amp was boring, flat and unexiting at lower volumes. Give it a bit of welly though and my living room became a church, concert hall or recording studio - depending on what was played of course :)

    PS - I think the passive had the effect of attenuating high frequencies at low volumes hence the dull sound.
     
    stugeek, Mar 2, 2008
    #2
  3. oceanobsession

    speedy.steve

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2005
    Messages:
    525
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Surrey/Hants/Berkshire borders
    Dunno about matching the sensitivities but the Promethius TVC has got to be the best value and works well in my kit.
    Better than a simple vol pot and better than a couple of active pre-amps I've tried (these were also better than the simple vol pot).

    I second that about the lower volumes - the TVC less more music through somehow.
    All to do with impedance matching so I'm told.

    I'd like to try a more exotic TVC at some point in time though.

    See

    https://www.audio-forums.com/as-rediect/showthread.php?t=13934

    These are more money

    http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/django_e.html
     
    speedy.steve, Mar 2, 2008
    #3
  4. oceanobsession

    dreftar

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2006
    Messages:
    490
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Shetland Islands
    I have ued a promithius in my system since early December and would not part with it. The only thing that I would change though is to the duo mono version of this wonderful passive. The case even works well in my system complementing my LP 12. I find that it works exceptionally well at lower volumes than I usually play music and since Ive began using the passive the volumes that I listen to music have decreased and I find that I am litening to more music for longer spells now. Initially the bass was a bit overwhelming with the Promi but after a month or so the character of the pre amp changed and it became more open, detailed and altogether a joy in use.
     
    dreftar, Mar 2, 2008
    #4
  5. oceanobsession

    SteveC PrimaLuna is not cheese

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2003
    Messages:
    854
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    SE Norway
    I think those values are OK. As far as the workings of TVCs as opposed to passive volume pots goes, and the perceived loss of dynamics with the latter, Music First have a kind of explanation and some technical details starting from http://www.mfaudio.co.uk/passive_pre.htm.
     
    SteveC, Mar 3, 2008
    #5
  6. oceanobsession

    i_should_coco Monkey

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2006
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    0
    i_should_coco, Mar 3, 2008
    #6
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.