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

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/BTEpassiveprecaseworkenhanced.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/BTEpassiveprecaseworkenhanced.jpg.html)

Beginning of build

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/0284d140-4d7b-431b-96c2-1d1f99473b03.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/0284d140-4d7b-431b-96c2-1d1f99473b03.jpg.html)

[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/0611/slagle_autoformer_volume_control_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.

[Audioman]

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.

Teac T1/TD1 transport/dac, Denon 2900, Rega Fono - all plenty of output using loan Albarry passive. I'm aware of the sensitivity problem - Andrew couldn't use them with his Audio Synthesis DAX dac (1.5v). Stuff with 2.0v+ output works.

[synsei]

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.

Yes Jerry, my unit is completely bespoke and I gave Anthony a component list via email before he began work ;)

[Covenant]

Brilliant, glad I hesitated about buying the Tisbury.I will wait for your comments on it's performance Dave but a proper review would be even better!

[synsei]

I will do my best Jerry. Incidentally, as specced mine will have two outputs, one fixed and t'other variable plus three inputs :)

[User211]

Looks lovely so far.

Is that one of those Dale resistor pots?

[synsei]

Looks lovely so far.

Is that one of those Dale resistor pots?

It is indeed Justin ;)

[wee tee cee]

I run the tisbury with temple mono blocks. I run different impedance settings on statics and spendors. I opted for one input, two variable outs and one fixed-they charged me a tenner to tailor the spec to my requirements. Great pre with little or no impact on the sound between source and amps. Also run it with a pair of valve kel84 mono blocks and previously a croft power amp.....its not fussy about partnering equipment. In my set up it replaced an active pre, I have never had the urge to replace it.

[Elephantears]

I'm aware of the sensitivity problem - Andrew couldn't use them with his Audio Synthesis DAX dac (1.5v). Stuff with 2.0v+ output works.

Just to be a bit pedantic - it was the DAX Discrete (no the original DAX), which outputs only 1.5V; this is direct from the DAC chip, with no op-amps or anything else in the output stage. It's not that I could't use it; I just don't think it was optimum.

[Macca]

Have tried Tisbury also have NVA P90. The P90 is better at retaining slam and impact but I guess this will be system dependant. Have a problem with to much gain with both, suspect I need some sort of buffer device but no idea even where to start with that.

[YNWaN]

RFC do one for that very purpose.