Help with VTL TL 5.5 Preamp

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.

Beside123,

In regard to your DAC source (the Tranquility SE) and the treble trouble, have you solved that as yet, and if so, how?

When I read your posting and this thread, I wondered two things:

What USB cable were you using for the DAC? I've had excellent success with the Ridge Street Audio Alethias to conquer a similar situation (just my experience, no endorsement).

I also wondered what power cable you were using with the DAC. Again, my experience: I've found that different power cables affect treble troubles differently, some with greater success than others. These things are system dependent, for sure, so you'd have to experiment here. I've found that the Morrow Audio MAP3 to be excellent and a significant "runner-up" to the Morrow to be the Synergistic Research T3 power cord.

In addition, another variable affecting treble quality is whether the DAC power cord is run through a power conditioner or not. I've noticed this affects the performance of the DAC in the treble range very much.

My experience is with the basic Tranquility model, not the SE, so the variables I've listed here might apply more or less depending...!

Hope my experience helps,

:) listening,

Ed

Istanbulu Ed: Thanks for your suggestions. I've got great cables throughout my various systems. I know the sound of those cables very well. For the Tranquility SE DAC, I am using dB Audio's own Essential Cable, but I am certain that the cable and the DAC are NOT the source of my high frequency grudges. I've tried the VTL 5.5 in 3 different systems and have toggled between Analog, CDP as well as the DAC. I have changed configurations, etc. I am certain that I have narrowed down the sound of my complaint to the preamp itself. I am hoping to find a better tube combination and not to just "tame" the high-end with a cable. Anyway, sound is subjective. Many, I am sure, would disagree with me. Again, thanks for chiming in.