TVC + Altmann amp?

I will take delivery of the Altmann amp next week. I'll try it with the pre-amp output from my Avantgarde Model 5 amp and let you know how I get on. I'll then decide whether to go the TVC route. Thanks for your replies.

Rocketiii - I want to congratulate you for being adventurous. I'm sure you will be glad you took this step. It gets tiresome reading about the same old tired brand names month after month in the publications and in these discussions. In my opinion, too few of us step out and discover what else is available.
Please write a followup about your experience.

I have recently been experimenting with just this situation. I have the Attraction DAC and BYOB amp. Best I have ever owned or heard. A kind and generous Audio Circle member loaned me a TVC they were not using and I put it in between the two Altmann pieces. I turned the volume on the BYOB knob from its starting place (about 6:00) to about 9:30. I was then able to use maybe the first 6 or 7 steps on the TVC.

It worked okay. I did feel a slight sense that something was in the chain that was not there before, but it was not necessarily a bad thing. That said, I was happier without anything in the middle.

I can understand that some people may need a pre of some kind because they have multiple inputs or use a sub, and for them the TVC is probably one of the best things you can put in between the Altmann pieces. But if you don't absolutely have to, I still believe you are better off without an extra link in the chain.

Just so people know, one does not need ultra efficient speakers with this amp. This amp used to drive my VR-4JR's with no problem whatsoever. The battery power makes it capable of effectively driving even moderately efficient speakers. It also presents an absolutely crystalline view of everything upstream of itself. Great synergy between the two I feel.

There are some pictures of this set-up at my system thread if your interested.

Hi Macrojack - I got the Altmann BYOB amp and have been using for a week now (not as much as I'd like as I'm recovering from an operation). Anyway, I connected the amp direct to my Tom Evans Groove Plus and fired her up. Initially I found the sound to be quite similar to my Avantgarde Model 5 amp but somehow more relaxing to listen too. The bass is really solid and tuneful, mid range is very natural and top end slightly less emphasised.

So in summary I think the Altmann is terrific value and drives the Duo's to ear-splitting sound levels if you wish. But the funny thing is that I can't really be worried to listen to all the hi-fi criteria, I'm just enjoying the music.

Anyway, you said I'm adventurous and I am - I've ordered the Attraction DAC with all options. Charles Altmann emailed me today to say he'd shipped it so I'll post a further update once it arrives.

(T/T is Avid Acutus/SME V / Dynavector 17D3)

Rocketiii: Good luck on your recovery. I think you will continue to enjoy the
Altmann and all it can do. Definitely post your impressions once you get the
DAC in place and have had some hours on both pieces. Your in for a treat.