Unexpected preamp needed- return policy important

Ozzy
Where I live (a suburb of Chicago) all electrical has to be grounded via conduit and Romex is illegal here. BX is legal if and only if its added to and existing structure/electrical system. My outlets are self grounding. An ig (isolated ground outlet) would have to be added.

Just a side note depending where you live and what the electrical codes are. Violating a code and having a fire would negate any insurance policy. Something to also consider.

http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiombal.php

Can you suggest specific passive volume controls for me to research?

The C-core ("Reference C-Core) and double C-core ("Signature") TVCs by Promitheus Audio are outstanding. Note that the Signature unit is not yet advertised on the web page, but it is available to order.

These Promitheus TVCs are very well implemented pure dual-mono (separate chassis for each channel) designs made with large transformers that are wound in house at the manufacturer's facility in Malaysia. The units are made to order and typically take about four to six weeks to be built after the order is placed. The TVCs are shipped by air into the U.S. with only two to three days in transit. I don't know whether there is any return policy, but you can write to the principal, Nicholas Chua, and ask.

When considering a TVC for your system, you will want to look at the input sensitivity of your amp to ensure that it is compatible with a TVC. Generally, you are looking for input sensitivity of 1.0V or less and input impedance of at least 50kOms.

Can you suggest specific passive volume controls for me to research?

I've had the Promitheus Audio Reference C-core for almost a year and I totally agree with Cincy_bob statements. Ever since the Reference C-core was broken in, I've been trying to hear any kind of sonic fault from its performance, but there is nothing but crystal clear sound.

There is lots of detail from top to bottom without the TVC sounding edgy at all. It's quite impressive to hear all this detail with the right instrument weight . I've heard many detailed systems before, but many systems sacrificed instrument weight and size. Also, it's soundstage definition and resolution is uncanny.

All this sounds good, but you first need to check if it can fit in your system. You'll need enough gain in order for the TVC to work properly. I checked with Nicholas to see if the Reference C-core would suit my system and he confirmed that all my sources have enough gain and the rest of the specs were within the parameters for a perfect match.

I first used it with one amp. I then I got a second amp and bridged them for mono-block use. With one amp, I needed to go up to 16-18 steps to play loud. With the mono-blocks, I only use about 50% (12 setps out of 24) of the volume control.

I got the Reference C-core TVC while at the same time searching for a top-notch tube preamp for my system. In the future, I may get an active tube preamp, but right now I'm not searching for one anymore. That's how much I like its sonic performance. I think that in the right system, the Reference C-core TVC is simply hard to beat.