VTL TL5.5 Series 2 Signature Pre Amplifier – Black

Here we have a high-end TL5.5 Series 2 Signature pre amplifier from US company VTL (Vacuum Tube Logic). It is in very good condition and comes in original factory packaging with remote control, mains cable, manual plus our standard three month warranty.

NB: WE HAVE A MATCHING PAIR OF BLACK MB125 MONOBLOCK AMPLIFIERS CURRENTLY IN STOCK. ANYONE WANTING TO BUY THEM AS A SET WILL BE ABLE TO CLAIM A £500 PACKAGE REDUCTION.

VTL Say….
Since its introduction in 1997, the TL-5.5 has earned a reputation for outstanding performance at an economical price. Now, VTL has significantly upgraded this preamp, using many of the technological innovations derived from the flagship TL-7.5 preamplifier. The result is a modern full-featured preamplifier that outperforms in every way, making it one of the top values of any tube preamplifier in its category.
The fundamental qualities that made the original TL-5.5 special—its all-tube design, the optional retrofittable phono stage, and its superb sonic characteristics—are unchanged. What’s new is the application of advanced audio technology sourced from VTL’s TL-7.5 Reference and TL-6.5 Signature preamplifiers. This technology uses a simple circuit topology with low negative feedback and a high current/low impedance output stage in a low-noise microprocessor-based design. Top quality parts, fully balanced operation, and precision-regulated and shielded power supplies yield a full yet neutral sound with high resolution, transparency, speed and powerful dynamics.
Much of the engineering prowess inherent in these world-class preamps has been transferred to the new TL5.5. New fully regulated power supplies are similar to those of its bigger siblings and the unit is now fully balanced, for inputs as well as outputs. Similarly, VTL’s latest thinking from our new and acclaimed TP-6.5 Signature phono stage is now applied to the optional MC phono stage, which can be easily retrofitted internally. It offers 68dB of gain and a balanced output, with a JFET/12AU7 high current MC stage (or high-grade stepup transformer), split-pole passive RIAA stage with a dual 12AX7 MM stage for maximum headroom voltage swing. Triple-precision power supply regulation and full gain and load setting with RIAA enhanced and rumble cut functions translate to a clean and quiet yet dynamic sound that brings vinyl to life!
VTL has delivered on its goal of bringing advanced engineering and modern functionality to the new TL-5.5 Series II preamplifier. With the same highly intuitive user interface of the renowned TL-7.5 and 6.5, and a full-function remote, the new TL-5.5 is a pleasure to use. A rigid, well-shielded chassis yields quiet operation while bi-directional RS-232 serial interface allows for seamless integration into any audio system. A luxurious cosmetic makeover includes a sleek and visually striking precision-milled faceplate similar to those used on its much more expensive brethren. For a well-priced, high-performance all-tube preamplifier, the TL-5.5 is a truly fine addition to any system.
Features:
Almost half the price of the TL-6.5 Signature Preamplifier
Luxurious cosmetics to match with Reference and Signature models
Fully balanced differential line stage with increased functionality
Optional internally retrofittable phono stage, with user adjustable cartridge loading and gain options
Precision-regulated B+ and B- supplies
Tube life extender circuit with B+ delay and soft filament ramp on power on
Balanced design, low-radiation power transformer
Quiet logic: Microprocessor sleep mode, quiet non-matrixing LED display with latching shift registers
Line Stage: All-tube, with lower gain high current 12AU7 circuit and 12AT7 buffer, minimal negative feedback
Two balanced /single-ended inputs, five single-ended inputs, one tape in, one balanced out, one single-ended out, one buffered record out
Soft-touch relay input select
117-step chip-based differential volume control, with 3-digit display
Higher resolution via single higher-resolution attenuator, and software control for balance and offset
Switchable gain between normal and low gain
Mono control on front panel
Fully bi-directional RS-232 control: programmable input offset, any input programmable as pass-through, and input disable, tape monitor and Mono control on front panel
Two programmable trigger outputs
Full function aluminium metal remote
TP-6.5 chassis size with all precision machined aluminium cosmetic
Specifications:
Vacuum Tube Complement: 2 x 12AU7, 4 x 12AT7 (line stage)
Inputs: 2 pair balanced/XLR or RCA single-ended, 6 pairs single-ended/RCA
Outputs: 1 pair balanced out, 1 pair single-ended RCA out, 1 pair single-ended RCA buffered Record Out
Remote Control Functions: Power, Source Select, Volume up/down, Mute, Fade, Balance Control, Phase Reverse
Gain: Normal Gain – 11 dB single ended, 17 dB balanced; Switchable to Low Gain – 6 dB SE, 11 dB balanced
Output Impedance: 150 Ω, Max 400 Ω @ 10 Hz
Input Impedance: 35 kΩ
Frequency Response: 1 Hz – 200 kHz, +0/-1 dB
Maximum Output Voltage < 1% THD: 30 V @ 10 Hz – 200 kHz, 1.75 V into 600 ohms @ 1% THD
Channel Separation: > 100 dB @ 1 kHz (> 80 dB @ 20 kHz)
Power Consumption: 60 W line stage, 130 W with phono stage
Dimensions: 444.5 (W) x 444.5 (D) x 120.6 (H) mm
Weight: 13.6 kg

To read a review from US publication Stereophile please click here

For a second opinion this time from Hi-Fi News please click here