Does anyone have any comments on the amp version (sans attenuator) of the 30.2?.
I would be looking to run it with a Bent Audio TVC and wondering if the voicing of the integrated version versus the amp only version would be the same or different. I really like the "warm" voicing of the integrated version (with built-in Goldpoint attenuator), however I prefer the "silent" operation (no major mechanical moving parts - hence no mechanical noise) of the Bent TVC (which incorporates an optical encoded volume control with remote and reed relay switching of the autoformer winding). Also, the Bent TVC allows volume graduations of 1db for very fine control, which is especially handy with high efficiency speakers such as my Zu Druids.
I have tried the integrated version and was able to utilize the Bent TVC with the 30.2's internal Goldpoint attenuator set at max (or lower). I thought that the 30.2 sounded warmer and just as transparent operating with it's own internal attenuator than with the TVC. However, the integrated version has an input Z of 20K while the amp only version has an input of 100K. I'm wondering if the difference in input impedance betweeen the two versions of the 30.2 would have an effect on the voicing with the TVC in line.
Also, it seems that if Vinnies's Isabella tube pre ends up being a winner (as is the 30.2) then the amp only version of the 30.2 would seem a logical way to go as it would allow for the eventual insertion of the Isabella.
Any comments appreciated.
Cheers,
David
I would be looking to run it with a Bent Audio TVC and wondering if the voicing of the integrated version versus the amp only version would be the same or different. I really like the "warm" voicing of the integrated version (with built-in Goldpoint attenuator), however I prefer the "silent" operation (no major mechanical moving parts - hence no mechanical noise) of the Bent TVC (which incorporates an optical encoded volume control with remote and reed relay switching of the autoformer winding). Also, the Bent TVC allows volume graduations of 1db for very fine control, which is especially handy with high efficiency speakers such as my Zu Druids.
I have tried the integrated version and was able to utilize the Bent TVC with the 30.2's internal Goldpoint attenuator set at max (or lower). I thought that the 30.2 sounded warmer and just as transparent operating with it's own internal attenuator than with the TVC. However, the integrated version has an input Z of 20K while the amp only version has an input of 100K. I'm wondering if the difference in input impedance betweeen the two versions of the 30.2 would have an effect on the voicing with the TVC in line.
Also, it seems that if Vinnies's Isabella tube pre ends up being a winner (as is the 30.2) then the amp only version of the 30.2 would seem a logical way to go as it would allow for the eventual insertion of the Isabella.
Any comments appreciated.
Cheers,
David