Help with VTL TL 5.5 Preamp

Jd_df: Thanks for forwarding the email from Steve McCormack.

I'd never really doubted that the McCormack amps would provide a synergy problem. The particular McCormack amps I am using are extremely revealing, so moreover, I've been wondering about the high frequencies in the preamp itself.

A few people have written to me suggesting RCA 12AX7 tubes. In light of all of the tube variations that have been suggested, I guess I'll have to continue to experiment until I find the right combo. The Brimar quad as well as the Mazda quad of tubes I've tried are renowned for being both airy and smooth.

Maybe this preamp is not be my cup of tea, but I am not throwing in the towel as of yet. My overall sense is that this is a fine preamp, so I'll keep working with it a bit longer. It is definitely way different sounding than a older Conrad Johnson PV-12 that I have in another system. I've rolled the tubes in that preamp, and it sounds very sweet, and than again it sounds very "Conrad Johnson."

Thanks to others for their responses.

Perhaps the sharp and edge treble that you hear may be coming from another component, maybe from your source. I've never felt the sound of VTL to be harsh. I've also owned Conrad Johnson preamp before, and I agree VTL is probably polar opposite of CJ. I found the sound of CJ to be rather dull and uninvolving, while VTL sounded bright and dynamic. If you liked CJ preamp trying to get VTL to sound like it may not be the best approach.

Jylee: Thanks for your thoughts. Those same thoughts haven't passed me by as well.

As far as the CJ goes, I simply like it... kind of a nostalgic or sentimental thing. I am very aware of its limitations, even after some upgrading. Still I like it.

No, I don't want to make the VTL sound like the CJ, and even though I said I like the CJ, I have actually been considering replacing it with the VTL in that particular system... if I can get the VTL to where I like the highs.

I've compared the VTL 5.5 to: Conrad Johnson PV-12, Eastern Electric Electric MiniMax Linestage modified & upgraded by Tom Tutay and McCormack MLD upgraded by SMc Audio to Ultra Platinum.

The sources have included: Nottingham TT w/Clearaudio Maestro Wood Cartridge, VPI HW-19 MKIV (modified) with Transfiguration Phoenix MC cartridge, Ayre CX7eMP CDP, Eastern Electric MiniMax CDP, finally Computer Based Music (Mac) through a dB Audio Labs Tranquility Signature Edition DAC.

Still I get the same results in the highend of the VTL... oh speakers have been: Dunlavy Towers, Acoustic Zen Adagio and DeVore Gibbon III (upgraded). Janis and Fritz Speakers Subwoofers.

What am I missing?

Bside123,

I do hope you find resolution to that which you seek!!!

I tried the 5.5 and gave up it. It was two grainy/noisey for my ears.