The All Analog, All Lamm, PBN M2!5 System of JeffreyT

Al M.

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Just picked up a vintage Luxman TVC to try along with the Lamm preamps and the Air Tight ATM-1s. This is the great thing about having a high efficiency system, so many cool things to try.

View attachment 87583

In the right context, a TVC can be spectacular. I look forward to hear how it works out.
 
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jeff1225

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In the right context, a TVC can be spectacular. I look forward to hear how it works out.
Well the price was right so it will be a fun experiment at the least. Have you ever tried one Al?
 

Al M.

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Well the price was right so it will be a fun experiment at the least. Have you ever tried one Al?

No, but heard one in another system. Compared to some active preamps there, we heard a spectacular transparency of sound and purity of tone, but with a slight lack of body. But again, I am quite certain that system context matters. It could work really well in your system, or it could not. You'll find out.
 
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jeff1225

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No, but heard one in another system. Compared to some active preamps there, we heard a spectacular transparency of sound and purity of tone, but with a slight lack of body. But again, I am quite certain that system context matters. It could work really well in your system, or it could not. You'll find out.
Yes it will be a relatively inexpensive experiment in my system. There are some really expensive TVC’s out there now with the $18,000 base model Bespoke as an example.
 

Al M.

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Yes it will be a relatively inexpensive experiment in my system. There are some really expensive TVC’s out there now with the $18,000 base model Bespoke as an example.

I heard a $ 3,000 Music First, ridiculously good for the price. KeithR once told me I should try a Music First; after that experience I understood what he meant. Regardless, I am super happy with the active Octave HP 700 preamp that I have.
 

DasguteOhr

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morricab

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Just picked up a vintage Luxman TVC to try along with the Lamm preamps and the Air Tight ATM-1s. This is the great thing about having a high efficiency system, so many cool things to try.

View attachment 87583
Didn’t know they made one of those...
 
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morricab

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Well the price was right so it will be a fun experiment at the least. Have you ever tried one Al?
Aries Cerat uses TVC in all their preamps except the lowest model, which uses a resistor ladder. So, not passive but Stavros considers it the most transparent way to adjust the level of input signal to his active circuits.
 

DasguteOhr

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Folsom

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I would definitely start with the Luxman. A tube buffer would be cool or a bypassed volume tube preamp, but for volume the Luxman may be even more honest than some like. The engineering for part of it is superior to others.
 
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jeff1225

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I would definitely start with the Luxman. A tube buffer would be cool or a bypassed volume tube preamp, but for volume the Luxman may be even more honest than some like. The engineering for part of it is superior to others.
I feel very lucky to get a unit like this in great original condition with manual and warrantee card.
 

bazelio

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The spartan design of Emia components is intentional. I'm not in to audio jewelry myself, so I appreciate the minimalist Emia approach. Though, I will say, Jeffrey Jackson (of Emia) has done amazing design work for his own brand - Experience Music. http://www.jeffreywjackson.com/ His horns and electronic components are stunning for those after good looks (and willing to pay for it).

In terms of marketing, not their strong suit and apparently also not a priority though I think they do show up at CAF most years. Small operation.
 

jeff1225

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The spartan design of Emia components is intentional. I'm not in to audio jewelry myself, so I appreciate the minimalist Emia approach. Though, I will say, Jeffrey Jackson (of Emia) has done amazing design work for his own brand - Experience Music. http://www.jeffreywjackson.com/ His horns and electronic components are stunning for those after good looks (and willing to pay for it).

In terms of marketing, not their strong suit and apparently also not a priority though I think they do show up at CAF most years. Small operation.
As @KeithR says, horses for courses. Personally the industrial design or lack thereof is an issue for me.
 

bazelio

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As @KeithR says, horses for courses. Personally the industrial design or lack thereof is an issue for me.
Dave now has an OEM for his autoformer. I can't remember the brand name, but the chassis looks like a normal audio component. And the price is quite good IIRC.

PS What's inside the Luxman?
 

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