Passive Preamps - Tisbury v NVA.

[Audioman]

Having established that a passive preamp will work well with Albarry monoblocks I am looking for an affordable model. The obvious choices are from Tisbury or NVA. Anyone had experience with either or both brands and can say which is the best performer. I would prefer something that is smooth/neutral that doesn't over emphasise treble when used with the very neutral and revealing Albarrys.

Paul.

[synsei]

Hold that thought Paul. I am having a custom unit built for me and I should have it early next week. It builds on the Tisbury's best attributes but offers more inputs, fixed and variable outputs, a far better quality stepped attenuator plus silver wiring throughout, all for under a hundred nicker... I will be posting a review once I've had it in my system for a few days

[Audioman]

Hold that thought Paul. I am having a custom unit built for me and I should have it early next week. It builds on the Tisbury's best attributes but offers more inputs, fixed and variable outputs, a far better quality stepped attenuator plus silver wiring throughout, all for under a hundred nicker... I will be posting a review once I've had it in my system for a few days

That sounds very interesting Dave. Can you reveal the source at this stage?

Paul.

[synsei]

http://bte-designs.weebly.com/

Casework



Beginning of build

[synsei]

Incidentally the case is American Black Walnut with black acrylic top and bottom

[Covenant]

I am really interested in trying one of these Dave, please keep me in mind!

[synsei]

Will do Jerry. Anthony is a delight to deal with and very knowledgeable

p.s. I should probably point out that Anthony used Black Walnut offcuts he had lying around in his workshop to build my case so the cost may be more if he has to order in especially

[John]

Looks good Dave
I use the Slagle Volume stage whilst more expensive its the best pre I had in my system http://www.enjoythemusic.com/diy/061...ol_modules.htm

[Covenant]

Will Anthony adjust component values to suit your equipment? This is a big plus for the Tisbury and, according to what I have read, essential for passives.

[Yomanze]

What sources are you using? The Albarrys have a very very low input impedance of 5.1kOhms, which isn't a problem with low output impedance sources, but could be with something like a passive output DAC or certain Audio Note DACs.