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TVC Promethius versus Bent

Any impressions on differences from this that have tried TVCs from both these companies? Also, I'm not sure why a transformer would help over of a passive resistor based attenuator (assuming a very high quality pot)assuming drive, low output impedance source, low capacitance cables, high sensitivity amp with high input impedance (100kohm). If more is less, why isn't adding a transformer just more, though minimal, distortion? Sort of two questions, but I have a high quality passive volume control, but have an interest in the TVC idea, especially these two brands or something made by Kevin Carter.
pubul57

Showing 3 responses by gmood1

gmood1
1,251 posts
 
I've played with both, it is a tough call IME. Now that Nick has introduced a C core version. Which is supposed to be even better. I personally would try it before any of the others just because of the different winding technique.

The Bent was the better built of the two. It's easy to describe the sound differences between the pot and a TVC.
For me it was like taking a bottle of Windex and a rag and cleaning a cloudy window. This was using a noble pot for comparison..there simply was no comparison in sound.

Bass was cleaner and deeper, the highs had more of a shimmer. And the soundstage layers became more revealing.

The only reason I do not use a TVC now is because I needed more gain for my amplifier. So the results vary depending on the components used. After owning several TVCs, you couldn't give me a component that uses a pot for the volume control..it doesn't matter what it is.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Very cool! glad to see you enjoying the TVC.Have you tried putting the pot in a box back in the system yet?
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
From what I've read,the one advantage of the TVC is that it provides galvanic isolation, an autoformer cannot.
Will this make a difference is sound for better or worse..I have no idea.
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