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Model: | Blowtorch preamp |
Category: | Preamplifier (SS) |
Suggested Retail Price: | $10,000; w/phono $15,000 |
Description: | SS stereo preamplifier |
Manufacturer URL: | Not Available |
Review by Mike Currie (A) on May 19, 2006 at 09:26:32 IP Address: 64.192.134.66 | Add Your Review for the Blowtorch preamp |
I'm not sure if I should even be submitting this, as the Blowtorch tends to qualify for 'unobtainium' status. I believe that there were roughly 45 units built. I know that John Curl has one or two left to complete and then they're done. I was extremely fortunate to be able to purchase a used example. It was designed by the team of John Curl, Carl Thompson, and Bob Crump, and was a cost-no-object exercise. If something sounded better, they used it and damn the expense. I understand that just the milled aluminum cases carried some outrageous cost by themselves (the rumor is $1500 each, and there is one for the gain stage and one for the power supply).The CTC Blowtorch is quite simply the finest line stage preamp I have ever heard. I have owned many preamps over the past 30 years, including those from c-j, CAT, Atma-Sphere, Art Audio, and Aesthetix, and of course have auditioned many others. You will note my predilection towards tubes. It may be a cliché, but I must say it - the Blowtorch, as far as I can tell, does not have an identifiable character of its own. There is no doubt that the best aspects of tube and solid state amplification have been converging over the years, yet I had not, up to this point, heard any preamp that did not betray its modus operandi. I personally value harmonic integrity above all else in music reproduction, hence the former tube-based systems. The CTC Blowtorch is at least equal to, if not better than, any valved preamp at reproducing proper timbres throughout the vital midrange and highs. Edgar Meyer plays his double bass over a tremendous range in 'Zigeunerweisen' from "Uncommon Ritual" (Sony). I know from past experience that if the electronics aren't doing their jobs, this piece isn't going to sound right. The Blowtorch literally suspends belief in this instance. I KNOW that Meyer was in the room with me. On the LP front, Cisco's "Young People's Guide to the Orchestra" was - and is - jaw-dropping stuff. I consider massed strings to be one of the ultimate tests of an audio system. As a rough guess, I'd say 90% of the gear that I have heard doesn't even come close to getting it right. A further 8-9% have been tolerable. The Blowtorch nailed them. Bass definition and extent is astonishing. While I have relatively less experience with solid state preamps, it's difficult to imagine much better performance in this area. Chesky's LP entitled "The Power of the Orchestra" provides a great all around workout, but of particular note are the bass drum whacks in 'Pictures at an Exhibition'. Massively powerful, yet with almost a graceful sense of attack, pitch, and decay.
The Blowtorch presents an extremely wide and deep soundstage. In my large(ish) room, small groups are seen as very nearly life size. We all know that we'll never achieve the same sort of illusion with a full orchestra, yet the scale - while 'smaller' - is proportionally perfect. I find this characteristic to be quite appealing, and it's one that I had not previously experienced to this degree. Individual images are presented beautifully in 3D. Instruments and vocalists, assuming that the recording allows it, typically are heard as having quite specific dimensions. Nojima's piano, for example, on Chesky's "Nojima Plays Liszt" is exactly sized as a grand should be. This, combined with the aforementioned harmonic richness, truly progresses the illusion.
In common with all other tube afficionados, I have had to listen through the noise to get at the good stuff. Certain designs are quieter than others and low noise tubes helped, but always there was something there in between the listener and the music. The Blowtorch has proved revelatory in this regard. It is completely and utterly silent. Low level detail that was formerly obscured is now clear. At the opposite end of the spectrum, macrodynamics are unfettered, and more importantly, the rate of change in dynamic contrasts is unparalleled. 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' from Reference Recordings' "Mephisto and Company" illustrates this vividly. I find that the increased dynamic range and speed at which said contrasts are handled provides an extremely satisfying experience.
If all of this sounds like the CTC Blowtorch is the perfect preamp, well, maybe it is - at least for some. On the downside, it is very expensive, it is extremely rare to find one on the used market, and I could diplomatically describe it as 'minimalist' i.e. it has dual volume controls, input selector, and thankfully the most massively useful (IMO) and least implemented control of all - the phase switch. That's it. Couch potatoes need not apply.
I have every intention of keeping the Blowtorch for life. Unless huge advances are made in the area of multichannel or whatever else comes along, this stereo is about as good as it gets. I have put my Janus up for sale, and in spite of the excellence of this preamp and its multitude of features, this is one instance in which I am 100% sure that there will be no buyer's/seller's remorse.
Product Weakness: | Expensive, hard to find, minimalist controls |
Product Strengths: | Everything else |
Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
Amplifier: | Parasound JC-1, Bob Crump modified |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | CTC Blowtorch |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | VPI Aries, JMW Memorial 10.5, Graham Nightingale, Ayre C-5xe |
Speakers: | SoundLab A-1 |
Cables/Interconnects: | Acoustic Zen, Jena Labs, TG Audio |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Wide range of classical, bluegrass, folk, jazz |
Room Size (LxWxH): | 32 x 15 x avg 11 |
Room Comments/Treatments: | RealTraps, first reflection |
Time Period/Length of Audition: | 3 weeks |
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | Running Springs Duke, TG Audio |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Follow Ups:
Hi Mike. Glad you like the unit :-) Now go get that Vendetta before you kick yourself for not doing so.I seriously doubt there are 45 Blowtorches. Probably more like 30, maybe 35, if indeed Gliderguider's unit was to be number 26.
Are there any good photos of the Blowtorch available on the net?And what is the status on Parasound's JC-2? Is it available?
Hi Abe,
The photos on the TG Audio website are probably the most useful.Parasound has neither announced pricing nor introduction date of the JC-2, but my own educated guesses are between $3k and $3.5k and sometime in the fall.
Hi Abe,Thanks very much. There are a few of Bob Crump's photos at the TG Audio site (see link). My understanding is that the JC-2 is not quite ready, but should be very soon. Call Parasound or one of the dealers to be sure.
I don't recall seeing the Blowtorch in detail before. Thanks for pointing out the web link to the photos. Nice piece, nice build. Best, ...Abe
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It is truly a wonderful preamp. I owned mine for a year and a half. I bought it from another inmate. I now have an ARC Ref3 which has much of the same strengths. Unfortunately, for a number of family related items, I needed a pre with a remote, as I need to automate my system.
How would you compare sonically the Audio Research to the Blow Torch. I own the VTL 7.5 and think it is one of the best as well.
Hi David,I certainly understand the need for 'automation'. If there's one thing I miss, that would be it. I'm glad it has worked out for you. Enjoy!
It really was a good preamp, but I doubt if 45 were made. I think it more exclusive than even that.Sonically, it's not perfect. A few used ones have been available because truer sounding units can be found, quite easily actually. But the Blowtorch sounds tremendous in many ways. So much so, that it's relatively minor failings are quite obvious upon close scrutiny. The darkness in the lower midrange, the added bass and the depth without dimension are things you will hear with time. But for now, enjoy it, it's a wonderful piece. But you won't keep it forever.
Thanks for your comments. Since you have not provided the context (associated gear, room characteristics, length of audition) in which you have heard the Blowtorch, it's impossible to determine whether your 'negatives' were due to the preamp or not. I have not experienced any of them, not to say that they will not show up with time, although one thing that I am quite sure about. I have to disagree with the 'depth without dimension' bit. The Blowtorch, in my system, absolutely sculpts 3D images.
Heard it in Crump's house twice. Had two different units in my house. And Ive heard three different units not at my house or Crump's. Oh, and the variuos units at CES, such as VMPS.dainty
was cancelling my order for a Blowtorch after a year and a half of non-delivery. Shortly after that Bob Crump died, and the line essentially died with him. Mine, which I understand was the second or third-last piece to enter the pipeline was given serial number 26, so they are even more rare than you suspected. The manufacuring cost Bob gave me for the cases was indeed $3000 for the pair.After I relenquished the dream I wound up with a Tom Evans Vibe/Pulse which turns out to have a lot in common with the Blowtorch (SS, ultra-minimalist, great dynamics and venue retrieval, lack of a SS signature etc.) While I can find no fault with the Vibe, I still wonder what a Blowtorch would have been like. To this day I still have never heard one.
I know what you mean about Meyer's "Zigeunerweisen". That piece is one of my favourite violin bon-bons, and Edgar's rendition is jaw-dropping. For anybody who is looking for an obtainable Blowtorch look-alike I can report that the Vibe gets that piece exactly right.
Glider, your unit is still available. It is the last of its kind. No more after this. Contact me, if you or one of your friends is interested.
Just kidding !> > I have every intention of keeping the Blowtorch for life.
Ain't going to happen :-) You have owned some of the best preamps and still kept on looking for the next best thing. You will eventually buy another preamp.
I suppose one should never say never, and to a degree you're right - I have owned a bunch of the things. However, there is one difference in this instance. I live about 30 minutes away from Bob Crump's home and had heard the Blowtorch a couple of times previously. Always knew that I wanted one if the funds and the opportunity permitted.
a
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GREETINS GUYS-- SORRY TO CHIDE IN HERE BUT I PROMISE IM KEEPIN MY GEAR FOREVER, NUFF SAID!
Interesting that you mention the lack of a signature as to tubes or solid state. I have a Vendetta SCP-2B and it is the same way. I bought an ARC PH5 recently because I really am a tube guy, but it really was not the equal of the Vendetta, even after all these years. It was very good, but not a Vendetta. And I would say the main difference was the lack of a signature on the Vendetta, as well as being a little more detailed.
Same designer, same philosophy. I agree entirely. I'm trying to decide now whether to keep my present phono stage or acquire a Vendetta.
Gotta get otta your Room More Mate.. there's awee bit more to life than some Dorky Pre Amp
Besides yer still playing the Same $10 Cd's or Worn out Vinyl..Like everyone else :-)
Actually, it was just an honest review of a very fine piece of gear. Sorry if it came across otherwise.
Mike,
A few years back I had the pleasure of visiting with Bob Crump at his home a couple of times. Having heard one, I think your review was spot on, and it is the kind of gear worth getting exicited about!
and I appreciated the information.
Thank you, I appreciate that. Overly enthusiastic, probably. Less than honest, no.
Richard from paeasound brought a new JC-2 preamp over to Brian Walsh's house when he had Dr. West's demo of the majestics. I can tell you that the JC-2 did not need to feel ashamed compared to Brian's blowtorch. It is a fine preamp for the planned, about $3K price. It would be nice to have a shootout :-). Maybe there is a common cure for the unobtanium poisoning.dee
;-D
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
Brian and I have had this discussion. He feels that the JC-2 is a fine preamp and gets much of the magic of the Blowtorch. Specifically, he feels that it lacks a bit of air and dynamic capacity in comparison. I have no doubt that Parasound has another real winner on its hands.
Specifically the remark about dynamics. I'd prefer to not say any more till the JC-2 actually comes out in a few months, but it is very promising.
Brian,I looked back at your note and realized that that's not quite what you had said. I apologize for any sort of misunderstanding. I'll leave it to you to give your views at your chosen time.
There had been one question about timing of the release, which you have apparently answered ('in a few months'). Thanks very much.
By the way, the prices shown on here are pretty far out of date. I understand that John is asking for $17,000 for the last line stage. There are no Vendetta boards left, so the phono option is out.
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