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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Glasshouse. Glasshouse TVC Preamplifier (SS) by Self-Inflicted

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REVIEW: Glasshouse. Glasshouse TVC Preamplifier (SS)

90.192.55.175


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Model: Glasshouse TVC
Category: Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $793
Description: Glasshouse TVC passive pre-amp.
Manufacturer URL: Glasshouse.
Model Picture: View

Review by Self-Inflicted on March 21, 2010 at 19:29:37
IP Address: 90.192.55.175
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for the Glasshouse TVC


Glasshouse TVC passive pre-amp.

This TVC replaced an Audio Research LS3, the first impressions sounded a bit in your face and grainy, but when the unit had about 20 hours on it the sound changed enormously, there was no grain or glare and I was in no doubt that this is the sound (very sweet and smooth) for me, and I really liked the bass.

After about 800 hours burn-in, its sounding very much like a good tube pre-amp, I'm not experiencing any roll-off or compression of dynamics, and I am using a 3 metre interconnect.

I replaced the TVC with the Audio Research LS3 after a few weeks and it sounded rather forced in comparison. This TVC uses Promitheus (tweaked) transformers without any extra gain. I purchased my unit fully built and tested and opted for the Elma 2 pole 24 way volume switch, although I wish now that I had also purchased the option of it burned-in for 100 hours, I say this because the TVC needs burning-in @ each individual volume setting, I believe they have a special way of wiring up the attenuator so it burns-in all the volume settings in one go. I found my volume setting @ # 18/19, so those are being used to burn-in the unit.

The build of this TVC is superb, it has 6 inputs, 2 outputs and 1 tape output, its heavy for its size, and is built like a tank. I am extremely happy with my purchase, and I keep kidding myself that I need to by some spare tubes.

If you have the time and skill you can of course build this unit yourself with even higher quality components.

Used with my Channel Islands D200's (gain 26db) the Elma 24 way volume switch @ # 18-19 on the TVC gives me more than enough volume on TV, Phono or CD.

Speakers used are Dynaudio Focus 110 that have a Sensitivity of 85 dB and 4 Ohms impedance.


Product Weakness: The transformers are not screened, so power supplies need to be kept about 15 inches away to avoid hum, but this was only when switched to phono stage input and may well be only my set-up.<br><br>There was some audio breakthrough when switched to unused inputs, but this was eliminated if the inputs were connected to there sources, or shorting (resistor) plugs can be used.<br><br>I would have liked finer steps of attenuation @ higher volume settings.<br>
Product Strengths: Sounds very much like a good tube pre-amp.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Channel Islands D200 monoblocks.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Glasshouse TVC.
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Marantz CD5001 OSE. Simon Yorke S4. Hadcock 242 Integra. Ortofon MC25FL. Whest PS.20 + MSU.20.
Speakers: Dynaudio Focus 110.
Cables/Interconnects: Anti-ic & Anti-cables.
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Blues, Folk, Rock, Pop.
Time Period/Length of Audition: 800 hours.
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Glasshouse. Glasshouse TVC Preamplifier (SS) - Self-Inflicted 19:29:37 03/21/10 ( 1)