Audio Horizons TP 2.0 Preamplifier

Tvad, I don't like like my system to white washed and "clean" sounding. Seems to me many define transparent as threadbare and sterile. I also don't like fuzzy and over-lush sound in my system. I seek a happy middle. Seems to me the AH preamp is just that. It is very transparent, but not in a sharp and attacking way. The notes have body , texture and weight, plus I experience a wonderful transparent intimacy to the music.

I love to hear all of the detail as if it is right before me and intimate. I want it performed with all of the natural weight and tone that draws me in. Seems so hard to get both, but my current system has both. The AH preamp is the piece that helped nail this.

Hope this helps.

Bill

Gjames, yes the unit has gold pinned Siemens tubes.

Bill

Thanks, Bill.

Tvad. I am currently auditioning AH against a ss pre. I dont know if this will help you but my system was very detailed and on the best 10% of CD recordings couldn't please me more in terms of clairty. But on less ideal recordings and higher volumes it could sound a touch strident or etched. With the AH preamp the best 10% is much more gorgeous and the next 70% have become beautiful to listen to, all without losing detail and clarity. Yet I would not describe AH as warm in any "cover it up way" rather it sounds more like real instruments, with acoustic instruments having their natural warmth and electronic instruments very smooth on new age stuff and acidy on acid rock. So I am being drawn to listen to the large amount of music in my collection that isn't the top 10% and finding much of it captivatingly beautiful, powerful or sparkley or soothing whatever it was intended to be. That is a real treat. As this is occuring in a deeper soundfield with more air and surer location of voices or instruments. Fellow owners - did I capture some of the appeal of the AH?

Joe,
You touched on what the preamp does for me. "Captivating" is a nice descriptive word.