Transformer based passives vs passive stepladder

Hi Atmasphere (Ralph?),

Don't active tube preamps face similar hysterisis issues with their own output transformers?

I have a DIY S&B transformer volume control and am very, very, happy with the performance in my fairly resolving system. I'm not wworn to any particular component design, but have found it very hard to match the TVC's quiet, transparency, tonal body & weight, and dynamics - especially at low volumes.

That said, my experience with preamps is nowhere near yours and I take your advice with great confidence. The only problem will be finding a preamp that significantly outperforms the TVC at a comparable <$700 price up to $2k.

BTW, congrats on weathering the storm with your company and keeping it where it should be - in your hands. I used to frequent your user forum a few years back and was always impressed by the satisfaction and dedication of your customers. You and your employees have forged a priceless bond with with them.

Thanks for the clarification Atmasphere.

In the case of my S&B TVC, I run true balanced output from the transformers and balanced interconnects to Jensen JT-11P4-1 input transformers which do the conversion back to single-ended for my amps.

Except in the case of my fully differential DIY Audiotropic PP 7591A amp which takes balanced inputs directly into the 1st stage.

Cable length/impedence and noise don't really seem to be a big factor here as long as my sources are capable of driving my amps.

Gliderguider,

Do you know which version of the S&B Transformers your Bent has in it? The mkI & mkIII versions are supposed to be noticably superior to the mkII.

I really haven't noticed any of the problems you mention going from my phono pre or dac to my Art Audio PX-25 or Welborne DRD 300B amps.

But, I am very, very, interested in Atma-Sphere's fully differential MA-3 preamp with built-in phono stage.