Mccormack preamps


Who has compared some of the Mccormack preamps out there? I see three that are regularly for sale: ald-1, tlc-1, and rld-1. Recommendations? Differences?
rrekstad
Don't freak out seing them often here for sale,
they're just realy popular preamps at low price and literally giant killers passive or active models depending on your poweramp.
I have owned an ADL for a while,and for what I paid it is pretty good. Has remote which are good for us lazy types. I use it with another bargan: White Audio Labs amp.--- No I haven't compaired this combo to anything in it's class, but as they say "works for me". and the price were good.
Hello Rrekstad -

The 3 preamps are quite different. The TLC-1 (Transparent Line Control) is a passive design with no gain. It includes both pure passive and buffered outputs, and the Tape Outputs are buffered. Although the passive system will operate without power, the TLC-1 should be plugged-in for proper operation. There was a late model named the TLC-1R that included remote control volume and mute. The TLC-1 was available in both standard and "Deluxe" models, the deluxe including an improved parts set.

The ALD-1 (Active Line Drive)was designed for fully active operation with gain. It is a fine preamplifier that incorporates a number of advanced features. It is one of the very few preamplifiers that include a high-impedance buffer circuit on the input side, thus improving the dynamics and clarity of most input sources. It also includes a “direct bypass” input path for those exceptional source components that don’t benefit from the input buffer.

Other design features include:
- High-impedance J-FET input buffer for main and tape inputs
- Zero-feedback amplifier design with high-current MOSFET output
- Six independent power supply regulator stages
- Balanced and unbalanced output
-True Passive (unbalanced) output
-Two Buffered Tape Monitor / Processor Loops with disconnect option
-Bi-directional tape dubbing
-A “hard” mute circuit (grounded outputs, which ensure true silence)
-Optional plug-in phono preamp

The RLD-1 is a newer piece that was designed for fully remote-controlled operation. It has a very high-resolution volume control system that moves in .5dB increments over a range of -98.5dB up to +20dB. There is also a home theater bypass mode useful for integration with a separate surround processor.

There is a lot more to say about these preamps, but this is not the place. Check out www.McCormackAudio.com or contact me directly if you like.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com