preamplifiers

NOTE TO READERS: (Year 2006) Atma-sphere has been asked repeatedly over several years to comply with 10 Audio's policy on quotes (please see the bottom of the Home Page). They continue to refuse this simple courtesy.

Three and half years have transpired since I reviewed the Audio Horizons TP 2.1RnB stereo vacuum tube preamplifier. That model carried the “RnB” options: remote control, noise suppression, and input and output transformers to accommodate balanced connections. The new TP 2.3SvB is veteran designer and upgrade specialist Joseph Chow’s latest thinking in preamplifier design.

There are several definitions of “value”, but one that applies most to you, as a reader of audio reviews, is equipment that provides a proportional amount of enjoyment from the money you spent. In other works, pay a little – get a little enjoyment. Pay a lot – get a lot of enjoyment. Buy the best and the result should be artificial reality in your listening room.

The original Audio Research LS17 preamplifier was released in 2006 with a list price of $3,995. Using some of the same technology as the REF 3 and LS26 preamplifiers, the LS17 was targeted at a lower price point. The SE version hit the market in 2011 at $5,500. The upgrades in the SE version included “new Teflon coupling capacitors as well as other internal performance enhancements”.