Specifications

100 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio
At 100 dB, signal-to-noise ratio in the TLP 1 rivals that of far more expensive
preamplifiers on the market—a direct result of the meticulous attention
paid to groundplanes and the design of the power supply. Circuit board
traces were painstakingly laid out by hand. Out of the silent black back-
ground the only thing that comes through is the music—rich, full and
enveloping—drawing you into its heart, technicalities forgotten.
The Power Supply
The TLP 1’s power supply starts with our unique, custom-made low-noise
transformer—a major contributor to the TLP 1’s low-noise floor. It boasts
a larger-than-usual core with extremely low flux
density (10 K Gauss) which helps to dramatically
reduce line spiking and high-frequency noise.
Four low-ESL, low-ESR oversized capacitors and
four precision voltage regulators provide fully
independent power supply rail voltages to mini-
mize interference and noise.
High-End Operational Amps
In keeping with our philosophy of “less is more,” tonal purity is preserved
through the use of high-end operational amps employed with a threefold
purpose: to dramatically reduce the number of discrete component parts
that would otherwise have to be used; increase gain without attenuating
high frequencies that provide “air” and detail; and amplify the signal
without increasing the load on the signal source.
The TLP 1 uses superior operational amps selected for each circuit
design application to ensure minimum distortion and low DC offset. Odd-
order harmonic distortion, particularly irritating to the ear, is reduced
across the entire audio bandwidth.
Purity and Integrity of Sound
TLP 1 parts are superior quality and close tolerance—carefully chosen
to maintain the lowest possible total harmonic distortion plus noise. Take
for example, our use of metal film resistors and high-quality film signal
capacitors. And all inputs are individually buffered to prevent one source
from interfering with another.
Stereo High-Pass, Subwoofer Output
In addition to Main outputs for full-range speakers, the TLP 1 contains a
built-in 80-Hz crossover facilitating the use of bookshelf speakers
together with a subwoofer. The built-in crossover offers both high-pass
(speaker) and low-pass (subwoofer) outputs. In addition, a full-range sub-
woofer output is included for subwoofers with their own built-in crossover.
Analog Volume Control
Clean, articulate sound—particularly at low listening levels—hinges on
the quality of the volume control. The TLP 1 features a high-performance,
digitally controlled CMOS stepped-attenuator, adjustable in 0.5-dB incre-
ments. Volume setting is controlled by a microprocessor, while the audio
signal itself travels through in analog form. Careful attention was paid to
the circuit-board layout, microprocessor design and software design to
maintain the purity of the analog audio signal at all times.
Tone Controls with Memory
True to its purist roots, the TLP 1 provides options when it comes to tone.
Bass and treble controls only affect the tonal extremes in a quite undra-
matic way. These actions are “remembered” for each source. Boost the
treble for AM listening, then set to “0” for CD and both settings will be
remembered.
Tone Contouring
Our hearing sensitivity to bass decreases when listening to music at low
volume levels. The TLP 1’s selectable Tone Contour works in concert with
the volume control, using a proven psycho-acoustic model to add precise
amounts of bass at various low volume levels beginning at approximately
-20 dB. The result is clean, balanced sound—even at low levels.
28