Audio Horizons TP 2.0 Preamplifier

Regarding the 2.0 to 2.1 upgrade, I will have an announcement to make about that at the end of October. Right now, I'm asking for your help.

Joseph and I will be attending the RMAF show in Denver this coming weekend. There are many reasons for going, but one of them is to explore forming a show partnership with a small, quality speaker manufacturer and perhaps a quality amplifier manufacturer. We are too small to afford to participate on our own, but perhaps next year we can afford to partner with other manufacturers. If you have any manufacturers you know or whose products you own that you think might be candidates, please let us know.

Another reason for going is to introduce ourselves to reviewers. In the next couple of months, reviews of the TP 2.1RnB/TP8.0iMCpn integrated preamplifier will be appearing in Stereomojo and a review of the TP 8.0sMCpn will be appearing in 10Audio. We hope that a couple of additional laudatory reviews on top of the Dagogo and these two might help us break out.

So if you have anyone you think we should search out at the Show, please let us know.

Victor

Here are my initial impresssions of my newly upgraded TP 2.0 preamp. First, I would like to treat these comments as if comparing two different preamps. I really feel the upgraded version is far better. For me, the improvement was not subtle but rather dramatic. I know Victor has stated the upgrade offered slight improvements, however, I feel a little differently.

In a nutshell, the upgraded version brings you much closer to the music. The sound stage is spread out wider with far better deliniation of instruments across the stage. Even on the most complex of music passages, each instrument and space around the instrument is easily discerned. The highs have more sparkle, crashing cymbols sound more live and deliver greater impact. Vocals are rendered smoother. I am now able to understand words and phrases previously unrecognizable. I am also hearing instruments and sounds on my recordings that I have not heard before.

One area of significant improvment is how well the unit plays when turned up. There is less compression, and my music simply sounds as good at very loud listening levels as it does at softer levels.

Base is far more articulate and has greater slam. The original version would have a tendency to sound a little constipated in the base while the upgraded version does not hold back and is freer with the base notes.

In an A/B shootout comparision, I would easily pick the upgraded version and purchase it over the original. I am shocked at the overall improvement and did not expect such a wide gap between the new and old.

This is after only 30 hours of burn-in. The upgrade costs only $300 and is the best $300 I have ever spent on my system.

The upgrade is a no-brainer in my small mind. I am closer to the music hearing instruments - not sounds. The articulation of the details in each instrument are so much more obvious.

Yes, I am sending my DAC back for the same upgrade once a get another $400 - 2 more caps then the pre.

If I sound excited, it is because I am!! Perhaps others did not find the improvement as dramatic as me or perhaps they did and write with a little less exuberance. It may be my room and system are mated well for this upgrade, but I love it!!

Make no mistake, in my system, in my room and with my tastes, this upgrade is big leap forward.

Perhaps this one comment sums up the differnce the best. The audience clapping on several of my live music discs used to sound homogeneous and smeared. Well the upgraded preamp delivers the clapping far differently. I can hear 1000 hands individually clapping. I noticed this change immediately as I like live CD's.

My system for those who have not read it before;

AH upgraded and fully loaded pre
AH 3.0 dac - soon to be upgraded
Belles 350 Reference amp
Proceed PMDT transport
Dalis Grand speakers

AH transparency cables all around except a Music Metre Fidulus digital cable - love it!

BPT line conditioners - two of them - one for digital and one for the amps

Two direct 20 amp lines to my system
Full room treatment with traps,panals etc
Star Sound Sistrum audio rack with audio points
Star Sound Sistrum speaker platforms with audio points
Mapleshade brass heavy hats

Bill

Here is my impression of 2.1 after more than 120 hrs. superlative bass with slam and real control. The mid range is smooth, rich and gooey. Upper end sounds like percussion and upper octaves of electric guitars have individual and unique sound with air and transparency.
i am so excited with this 2.1, that i was able to get some early 60s seimens cca tubes which are on there way. i just could not resist and had to hear that additional air and transparency that is written about on this thread.
its a nice rainy day and perfect for music so its time for some rock and roll.