Audio Horizons TP 2.0 Preamplifier

Greetings to all. I rarely post, but I've been following the action closely.

I just wanted to say that I'm very appreciative of Sherod and others for their time and efforts on testing thing so we can benefit from their experiences. It's very easy to sit back and just watch. I just wanted to say, "Thanks."

I have the 2.0 and 8.0 phono stage, the phono which has the new "mystery caps." I've found those caps to be very good and very quiet so I've been tempted to trade in the Hovlands on the 2.0. The latest thread has me going back and forth. I'm still ready to pull the trigger but the extra 75 bucks made me gulp (am I a cheap skate or what?).

One question for Sherod: how about a V-Cap bypass on the new 2.1 cap. That's one combo that hasn't been tried, right?

Sang

Hi Sang,
I tried several value V-caps, both the Teflon and oil-impregnated in different values as bypass and none sounded right. All bypasses on the outputs caused this "shelving" effect where the sound lost its wholeness and took on the characteristics of the cap used as the bypass. Both Joseph and Victor have good systems and I'm sure good ears, but my system preferred the 2.0n version in the end. Your mileage might vary. Please don't think that I'm a troll or naysayer. I was one of the early buyers of the TP 2.0n preamp and if you'll peruse the threads, you'll see that I was always there to champion the work and genius of the "Master" Mr. Chow. I feel my praise of his preamp has played a small, but significant role in helping others to decide to try and now enjoy his preamp.

Sang,
I just wanted to clarify that I didn't try any bypasses on the new 2.1n output caps, only on various caps in my 2.0n version.

Stltrains,in response to your querie re XLR and RCA connections I'm in the 50 50 camp.I have single ended from my source to the AH and XLR from the AH to the Cary.The balanced mode between pre and amp simply sounds better in my system.Like some others I'm also on the fence regarding the upgrade.Have a good weekend everyone.

Sherod, I've been an avid reader of this thread. I just don't post. I know you've been a huge advocate for the TP 2.0 preamp. I also know the cap rolling that you've done. I have a lot of respect for the V-Cap and so I also tried a V-Cap bypass on the Hovlands of the 2.0. I found as you did and also more noise from the V-Cap bypass. It stuck me as ironic, however, that Joseph uses a cap bypass on the 2.1. It got me thinking wondering what a V-Cap bypass would sound like on the 2.1 as opposed to the Solen. Sang