2. amps-preamps
  3. 1220645387

Unexpected preamp needed- return policy important

I need suggestions for a preamp. My amp is a Halcro MC20, powering Newform Research hybrids. I have a Cary 306 SACD coming next week.
Several months ago I bought an Atma Sphere preamp for the Halcro. While it sounded wonderful, there was a persistent buzz from both speakers. I tried everything to diagnose the problem, all without success. The kind Audiogoner I bought it from took it back. The pre worked perfectly in his system. So I hooked up an old Ah Tjoeb/Marantz player. No feedback. So I figured I would get a CD player with a volume control. My research was detailed but sloppy. I ended up buying a used Cary SACD 306 assuming it had a volume control. Just discovered that the Cary has no control. So I have to deal with the preamp issue again.
Out of concern that I will end up dealing with feedback issues again, I want to start the search with companies with a return policy. I know that buying new is not the best bang for the buck, but I would prefer not to face the same distortion issues without that safety net. So, suggestions? And thanks.
D1
deliberate1
klipschfan
176 posts
 
http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiombal.php
cincy_bob
270 posts
 
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.
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isanchez
276 posts
 

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.


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