Berning TF-10 to TF-12. anyone do that?

Richard...Thanks for the thorough response!! I personally dont need that much switching...all i need is to be able to tape NPR classical music into a reel to reel sometimes.

I am not sure that my system is able to be so precise as to make the improvement aparent?

McIntosh MC40 amps, VPI Scout TT, Parasound CDP-2000, Electrovoice TRXB's and soon Tannoy System 12 DMT monitors..

Very nice summary Richard. I have been long interested in the TF12 since JGH did a review for Stereophile back in 1988, my first encounter with David Berning and his fine products. Could you comment on how it might compare with current pre-amps? I've been tempted to buy one to find out first hand if I could find one at the right price.

I think that the upgrade from a TF10 to a TF12 was one of those jawdropping audio moments in my life. Mind you, my TF10 had only recently (a couple years or so) been back to Berning for the "A" modification, along with some other "improvements" as well. The TF12 simply did everything much better across the board. With a pair of MC40s, you would be blown away by the upgrade to the TF12 - without question. I have often lamented that Berning never continued making preamps as it would be interesting to see what his current thinking and design would entail. I've never discussed the issue with him however, as I'm quite contented with my TF12 and certainly can't afford a custom one-off from his workbench (though I often dream of what his version of a stand-alone phono stage would comprise.....mmmmmm). There are only a handful of preamp designs on the market these days that I would entertain trying out (the Suprateks, the Joule, the Hovland or perhaps the Loesch nuvistor design) and they are all well out of my price range (my next large cash outlay will be for a new turntable, LP12 gods have mercy). Good listening. -Richard

Well this is interesting Richard as I have a pair of MC-60's lying around. I also have the Berning zh270 amp and Supratek Syrah, both very nice components but there is something intrinsically appealing to me about the zh270 that I have rarely encountered in audio products, the combination of superb sonics with an efficient design something he consistently is able to accomplish in his designs. Stay tuned for a new Berning pre-amp. I understand there will be a prototype at the Montreal show in April.

Very interesting news regarding a new Berning preamp. Having heard the ZH270 in my own system (and the MC40s but not the 60s), I don't think there's really a need to compare these two very different designs sonically. Let's just say that the ZH270 has very few peers from any era. I completely agree regarding Berning's design philosophy - I know of no other audio manufacturer who can say (with a straight face and uncrossed fingers) that the average life expectancy of the output tubes in their power amplifier is aproximately 10 years. I own both an EA2101 and two EA230 that I run as 60W monoblocks. I've never HAD to retube ANY of my Berning units (though tube-rolling in them is very illustrative and sometimes counter-intuitive...). Since I'm in Albany NY, the Montreal show is only a moderate drive away. If you have a link on the show, I'd be much obliged. Regards, -Richard