Audio Horizons TP 2.0 Preamplifier

Hey Guys:
Well I finally got my AH DAC 3.0 back. The upgrade took much longer than I expected. Been playing it non-stop this weekend and want to give my initial impressions. As I indicated in earlier posts this is the Clarity-Vishay upgrade with harmonic alignment. The same one some of you are looking to apply to you AH preamps. This is not a review! I would never attempt to do that with my level of knowledge so please bear with me on this.

Just a few background notes:

I purchased the dac used from Grannyring about a year ago. My goal was to add some tube warmth and body to my all solid state system. My speakers are somewhat bright and forward sounding and my listening room amplifies these problems. Seemed like a good fit after chatting at length with Bill. The dac had upgraded, warmer sounding tubs so I went for it. The stock unit met my goals and expectations and then some. Just to nitpick a little I always thought the presentation was a little odd or different.

So right out of the gate I could tell the sound was much smoother and refined. There appears to be a film or haze that has been lifted and clear, detailed, wonderful music has emerged. The thing I like best is you can enjoy these new attributes at much lower listening volumes. Also, that presentation issue is a thing of the past. Perfect balance! From what you all are saying the best has yet to come keeping in mind I only have about 10 hrs of break-in time so far.

I’ll report back in a few weeks.

Charlie

Great news, Charlie. I look forward to hearing more of your impressions as the unit goes through its break-in process. I'm thinking it will only get better.

Charlie, glad to hear that without any burn in you love the upgraded DAC. That is a great DAC and I am sure it is now something very special.

I have an idea for you if your amps are on the floor. Place them on Sistrum SP 004 stands and then place about 2 pounds of clean sand in a nice zip lock bag and place on top of your amp. The Sistrum stands the 003's or 004's can be had for about $150 each used.

Now listen to your system. Wait until you have some 200 hours on the DAC before doing this amp tweek. You will be very pleased!

Yes indeed Bill. Likein this upgrade a lot. Just over 20hrs on it and I would already rate it as very, very positive! I can already verify two things that have been said in previous posts.

Cedar's post where he talks with Joseph about harmonic alignment is pretty much right on. The issue I mentioned earlier about presentation was not articulated correctly. What I was trying to say was instruments seemed a bit over emphasized compared to voices. This condition varied depending on recordings but it was noticeable to me. It is now a thing of the past.

Sherod’s comments about this upgrade being a “no-brainer “is also right on. Detail and clarity is just outstanding already. It gives the illusion of better musical dynamics simply by hearing more and being presented in a smoother and more refined way.

Sand on my amps??? Have you had a few too many this weekend? lol

It seems a lot had been discussed about this AH preamp in here. Yet my question to your guys is:
Are this AH preamp that good:
Some of the contenders I have in mind and experienced with:
Sonic Frontiers Line 3
Canary CA-903
Also, I have noticed that Grannyring he had recently replaced this AH with the TRL Dude, right?
I am lost, please help
Robert