TTVJ Phono Stage Loaner Program - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Todd · 03-19-2008, 03:44 PM

Hi All,

Here is the loaner program that I have been promising for a few weeks now. It has actually kicked off already with Voltron getting first crack at it.

So here is the deal. In order to spend 2 weeks with the phono stage, you must write a review of it here in this thread - done during or shortly after your use of the TTVJ phono stage, have at least a good turntable, cartridge and system to plug it into, and love vinyl. When your 2 weeks is up, you must then repack it and send it to the next person. We will supply that information when it is time to ship...

I have included 3 sets of tubes - JJ's , Mullards and Amperex. These are not inexpensive and I would expect care to be taken when using and shipping the unit.

But most of all I expect you to have fun and enjoy it!!! So you can start signing up now by emailing me at todd@ttvj.com with your name, address, phone number and head-fi name.

We will get Voltron to ship it out to the first recipient in a week to 10 days - at his convenience.

Heve FUN!!!

Todd

derekbmn · 03-19-2008, 04:20 PM

E-mail just sent.

gz76 · 03-20-2008, 01:04 AM

As previously discussed, let me know if/when this loaner makes it down under! Thanks Todd.

Voltron · 03-20-2008, 03:55 AM

This is a generous program, Todd, and we are lucky to have you as a member of our community. I will be sad to let this beauty go, but it is very likely that I will be buying one shortly. The ASL phono is going on the FS blocks very soon!

jp11801 · 03-21-2008, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voltron

This is a generous program, Todd, and we are lucky to have you as a member of our community. I will be sad to let this beauty go, but it is very likely that I will be buying one shortly. The ASL phono is going on the FS blocks very soon!

I had the opportunity to hear this phono pre in Al's vinyl rig and I was pleasantly surprised with the results. It performs far above its price point as should be a consideration when looking for a phono pre. I am not sure yo could get a unit at this price that would outperform the TTVJ phono pre.

Voltron · 04-17-2008, 06:56 AM

Today I received an upgraded version of the TTVJ Phono Preamp, which is the version that will ship to all purchasers. Todd and designer Pete Millett came up with a few improvements that they have implemented to great effect. I do not know the details of internal changes, although the most obvious is that the power supply is different. The new one is an in-line brick type that I understand is more expensive for TTVJ to buy but if this is part of what changed the phono stage performance then it is well worth it!

I have listened all night to some extraordinary vinyl from Music Matters Jazz, which is putting out 45 RPM Steve Hoffman remasters of classic Blue Note titles. I also received the latest two titles, Horace Parlan's Us Three and Hank Mobley's Soul Station. I also listened to a plain old 180g 33 RPM record by Tift Merritt called Tambourine.

It's late and I did not yet have time to compare the old version to the new one, but there is no question in my mind that the new one is quite a bit quieter -- to the point that it could not be much quieter, actually. The sound quality is really excellent and even though the vinyl I was spinning mostly, the Blue Notes, is extraordinary I am convinced that the new version of the phono pre is a nice little improvement over the already great performer of the original model.

I will do some more comparing with my loaner time and will write up a more cohesive review taking my old notes in the other thread and new listening notes from the new model. Then, I will sadly let it go on to the next lucky soul, derekbm, next week. I am even more convinced, however, that I will be buying one of these beauties very shortly. This is a great piece of gear in absolute terms, but it is surely one of the greatest bargains around from a price to performance standpoint.

Nice work Todd and Pete! Looking forward to buying you each a beer or two at CanJam very shortly!

Todd · 04-22-2008, 10:01 PM

gz76,

The phono stage is on its way to my friend in Australia. Once he has had his time with it he will be sending it to you. I hope you have fun with it and i look forward to your review!

Thanks Voltron for giving the phono stage a second audition. We made a few minor changes that made a significant sonic improvement. The biggest may have been going to a new power supply. I was very pleased with the way it sounded in my high end system and think that anyone giving it a try will find it to be a worthy consideration for their system.

I will be setting up a headphone listening setup featuring a Scout, the TTVJ Phono Stage and assorted headphone amps/headphones at the Florida meet - CANJAM! So all of you heading for CanJam will also get a shot at listening to our phono stage.

Todd

Voltron · 04-27-2008, 12:32 AM

The fabulous TTVJ phono loaner is on its way to derekbmn for his time to enjoy its goodness. I will be consolidating my impressions and posting up something a little more cogent as soon as I can. Suffice to say, once again, that I am buying one of these very shortly. Truly a fine piece but incredible for the price.

Thanks again Todd and see you Thursday at CanJam!

derekbmn · 04-28-2008, 06:57 PM

The Phono Stage has arrived and I just finished unpacking it. Won't get much farther until tonight when get home from work.

909 · 04-28-2008, 11:29 PM

hey Todd,

i sent you an email a few days ago. i would really like to hear this thing as i am seriously looking to purchase a phono stage and have been auditioning a few in my vinyl rig before i make my decision. can i participate?