Here are my initial impresssions of my newly upgraded TP 2.0 preamp. First, I would like to treat these comments as if comparing two different preamps. I really feel the upgraded version is far better. For me, the improvement was not subtle but rather dramatic. I know Victor has stated the upgrade offered slight improvements, however, I feel a little differently.
In a nutshell, the upgraded version brings you much closer to the music. The sound stage is spread out wider with far better deliniation of instruments across the stage. Even on the most complex of music passages, each instrument and space around the instrument is easily discerned. The highs have more sparkle, crashing cymbols sound more live and deliver greater impact. Vocals are rendered smoother. I am now able to understand words and phrases previously unrecognizable. I am also hearing instruments and sounds on my recordings that I have not heard before.
One area of significant improvment is how well the unit plays when turned up. There is less compression, and my music simply sounds as good at very loud listening levels as it does at softer levels.
Base is far more articulate and has greater slam. The original version would have a tendency to sound a little constipated in the base while the upgraded version does not hold back and is freer with the base notes.
In an A/B shootout comparision, I would easily pick the upgraded version and purchase it over the original. I am shocked at the overall improvement and did not expect such a wide gap between the new and old.
This is after only 30 hours of burn-in. The upgrade costs only $300 and is the best $300 I have ever spent on my system.
The upgrade is a no-brainer in my small mind. I am closer to the music hearing instruments - not sounds. The articulation of the details in each instrument are so much more obvious.
Yes, I am sending my DAC back for the same upgrade once a get another $400 - 2 more caps then the pre.
If I sound excited, it is because I am!! Perhaps others did not find the improvement as dramatic as me or perhaps they did and write with a little less exuberance. It may be my room and system are mated well for this upgrade, but I love it!!
Make no mistake, in my system, in my room and with my tastes, this upgrade is big leap forward.
Perhaps this one comment sums up the differnce the best. The audience clapping on several of my live music discs used to sound homogeneous and smeared. Well the upgraded preamp delivers the clapping far differently. I can hear 1000 hands individually clapping. I noticed this change immediately as I like live CD's.
My system for those who have not read it before;
AH upgraded and fully loaded pre
AH 3.0 dac - soon to be upgraded
Belles 350 Reference amp
Proceed PMDT transport
Dalis Grand speakers
AH transparency cables all around except a Music Metre Fidulus digital cable - love it!
BPT line conditioners - two of them - one for digital and one for the amps
Two direct 20 amp lines to my system
Full room treatment with traps,panals etc
Star Sound Sistrum audio rack with audio points
Star Sound Sistrum speaker platforms with audio points
Mapleshade brass heavy hats
Bill
