Audio Horizons TP 2.0 Preamplifier

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

Thank you, Bill, for taking the time to give us your impressions of the upgraded preamp. I feel your enthusiasm and it is contagious. I guess I better get on the bandwagon.
Enjoy the music.

Here is my impression of 2.1 after more than 120 hrs. superlative bass with slam and real control. The mid range is smooth, rich and gooey. Upper end sounds like percussion and upper octaves of electric guitars have individual and unique sound with air and transparency.
i am so excited with this 2.1, that i was able to get some early 60s seimens cca tubes which are on there way. i just could not resist and had to hear that additional air and transparency that is written about on this thread.
its a nice rainy day and perfect for music so its time for some rock and roll.

I auditioned the 2.1. I listened with the stock tubes, and with a quad of Mullard 6922. Both Belles 350A Reference and VAC Musicblock 160 amps were used. Speakers were Silverline Audio Sonata III, and speaker cabling was Silverline Audio Conductor. The TP2.1 was quiet, extended and created a large image. However, it was flat and two dimensional compared to the Supratek Cortese.

I'd have kept the TP2.1 if the Cortese wasn't so clearly more synergistic with my system.

Just thought I'd share some counterpoint.

System synergy is so important as well as personal preferences in sound. Not just gear synergy, but also room. I had the Supratek Cortese and Syrah as well as a CJ lS16 V2 in a system of mine about 2 years ago. Had all three great preamps for over a month to play with in my sound room. The CJ was the best of the three in that room and in my system back then.

I ended up owning the CJ and felt it was the best I heard until it went up against the AH a year ago. The AH was clearly better then the CJ which I liked better than the Cortese as I mentioned above.

I compared the AH to the CJ in a new room and with a different amp and cabling as an FYI.

I find the AH very 3D in my current room. My room is 19 feet wide by some 29 feet long. My speakers are a good 6.5 feet from the back wall.

I think the room, room size, gear, wire, room treatment, gear and wire compatability etc all come together making it very difficult to say on piece of gear is ALWAYS better then another when both pieces are world class.

The Cortese is a very fine preamp. I do remember both the Syrah and Cortese having a house sound if you will. They were not as pure and neutral as the AH and that in itself will bring different conclusions based on preferences. Both Supratek units were so smooth that over time the smoothness was evident on every disc I owned. I liked the sound, but the point is I knew it was the preamp's sound in my system. Both Supratek units are more "tube" sounding then the AH preamp in the best way. More fullness or roundness to the sound compared to the AH.

I suspect tube rolling could even change things more with these fine preamps.

I know Tvad, myself and others are having fun both listening to music and playing with gear!

Bill