EMIA Elmaformer (volume control) review

[CKKeung]

So if one was to use the AVC in another preamp, it would be just the AVC, not the Elma former, to buy?

You mean you want to install AVS such as Slagleformers as volume control inside another preamp?

Yes, there are some brands of preamp using autoformers as volume control internally.

However the Slagleformers are of auch high quality that IMO they are excellent passive preamps by themselves.

 

[Sablon Audio]

Here’s another Slagle avc implementation, v neat for the price imo.

www.passivepreamp.com/

 

[CKKeung]

Here’s another Slagle avc implementation, v neat for the price imo.
www.passivepreamp.com/

Yes, employing Slagleformers too.

Volent HK has got the dealership.
I shall listen to a demo in around 2 weeks time.

 

[Sablon Audio]

Yes, employing Slagleformers too.

Volent HK has got the dealership.
I shall listen to a demo in around 2 weeks time.

Maybe Ben can have a special build for HK using silver windings?!?

 

[bonzo75]

Here’s another Slagle avc implementation, v neat for the price imo.

www.passivepreamp.com/

What seems to be the difference between this and the elmaformer

 

[Sablon Audio]

What seems to be the difference between this and the elmaformer

On first brush, pcb v hardwired plus motorised remote.

 

[CKKeung]

Maybe Ben can have a special build for HK using silver windings?!?

I told Ben already : silver Slagleformers are several leagues above the copper Slagleformers.
No fight at all!

 

[bonzo75]

Do the AVC require burn in?

 

[Sablon Audio]

Sure, everything needs burn in. Wire, plugs, circuit etc

 

[bazelio]

Do the AVC require burn in?

No, not in my experience. Or it's so minor over such a long period of time that I couldn't notice it.

 

[advanced101]

No, not in my experience. Or it's so minor over such a long period of time that I couldn't notice it.

Ill agree. I had two identical Ag Remote formers, one was fresh out the box, the other a demo unit with hundreds of hours on it. Couldn't tell the difference.

 

[advanced101]

I told Ben already : silver Slagleformers are several leagues above the copper Slagleformers.
No fight at all!

So my question to you... What do you think the TotalDAC drivers do for your passive pre(s)?

 

[bonzo75]

I have had the Silver Remote Autoformer for a few days. Trying to wrap my head around the differences. It sounds very different from the Copper Autoformer. Playing them back to back the Copper sounds so exaggerated. I never noticed this until comparing against the silver. There is a certain degree of realism and naturalness with the Silver. Acoustic guitar strings sound waaay too vibrant with the copper whereas the silver sounds just right. I also have a few Audience Front Row cables burning in, so that's next. I will agree that the copper AVC still betters my EAR868PL Preamp. I will also agree that the SIlver is worth double the price of the copper. This will likely be the last preamp I have for a long time. At least until I can spring for the Silver DHT

What's the silver DHT?

 

[advanced101]

What's the silver DHT?

http://myemia.com/Linestage.html

 

[CKKeung]

So my question to you... What do you think the TotalDAC drivers do for your passive pre(s)?

Not unlike the Emia DHT Linestage!

 

[plasmod3]

Hi CK

how would the dht compare with the bespoke you have you think?

 

[CKKeung]

Hi CK

how would the dht compare with the bespoke you have you think?

Emia DHT Linestage is a new product and I have not auditioned it yet.
If you can borrow one for audition, please share with us your views of it on WBF.
Thanks.

 

[Devg]

Hey folks, I am in the market for passive preamp and wondering if somebody has compared the Emia to others, like the Wyred4Sound STP-SE or the Hattor/Khozmo ? How is the Emia remote autoformer different from the well regarded Bent Audio tap-x avc-1 pre ?

 

[CKKeung]

Hey folks, I am in the market for passive preamp and wondering if somebody has compared the Emia to others, like the Wyred4Sound STP-SE or the Hattor/Khozmo ? How is the Emia remote autoformer different from the well regarded Bent Audio tap-x avc-1 pre ?

Hi Devg,
The Bent Audio AVC-1 has been discontinued.
John of Bent Audio now concentrates in making remote mechanism for other brands.
I think my own full-balanced AVC-1 is his last piece. There are 4 copperSlalgeformers inside :



So if you want a Slagleformer-based passive preamp, Emia is the only choice.

BTW I personally think that amongst all passive preamps, those employing AVC or TVC give better sonic performance than other varieties of mechanism.
IMHO only, of course.

 

[kodomo]

Hi Devg,
The Bent Audio AVC-1 has been discontinued.
John of Bent Audio now concentrates in making remote mechanism for other brands.
I think my own full-balanced AVC-1 is his last piece. There are 4 copperSlalgeformers inside :

View attachment 71030

So if you want a Slagleformer-based passive preamp, Emia is the only choice.

BTW I personally think that amongst all passive preamps, those employing AVC or TVC give better sonic performance than other varieties of mechanism.
IMHO only, of course.

It is not the only choice, I am ordering an Icon audio preamp with slagle autoformers inside. Fully balanced with 4 slagle autoformers.