|
Facts, Features & Specifications
Preamp
Class-A Vacuum tube signal gain.
Dual stereo inputs with A/B switch.
Independent volume controls.
Crossovers bypassable.
Inputs
Dual stereo inputs with front-panel switch.
Per-channel volume knobs, up to 4x (12dB) gain.
Input impedance 10 k Ohm.
Input Sensitivity: 100 mV - 4 V rms
Outputs
Output impedance 1 k Ohm.
Discrete bipolar output drivers, no opamps.
Frequency response: +0, -3dB 20Hz-60kHz
Hum & noise: -90dB from 20Hz-60kHz
Crossover
Frequencies: 60, 72, 80, 100Hz
Slope: 12dB/octave
Alignment: smooth Butterworth
Each channel bypassable to full-range.
Power
Isolated, regulated power supply
Remote turn-on current draw ~20mA
Power consumption: 12 Watts.
Turn-on & turn-off muting
History / Warranty
Production since 1992.
Proven reliability.
Warranty: one year parts & labor.
Physical
Dash- or trunk-mount, brackets provided.
DIN-size: 2" H x 6-15/16" W x 5" D.
Weight: 3 lbs.
Chassis-mount, Teflon/Copper RCA jacks
Hand-made in USA, quality parts and build
FAQ
Difference between TC-2r and TC-4r?
Both are identical, except that the TC-2r has 1 sub + 2 outputs and the TC-4r has 1 sub + 4 outputs. When used as a crossover with outputs set in "high pass" mode, each output of either the TC-2r or TC-4r can have an independent crossover frequency. Each output can also be independently set into "all pass" mode so that the full signal passes through with tube gain but without frequency modification by the crossover circuitry.
TC-2R
One pair of high-pass outputs.
Three volume knobs:
- left high-pass
- subwoofer
- right high-pass
TC-4R
Two pairs of high-pass outputs.
Five volume knobs:
- front left high-pass
- front right high-pass
- subwoofer
- rear left high-pass
- rear right high-pass
Tube life?
The vacuum-tubes are operated conservatively and should last indefinitely. Replacements are available, however, and changing the tubes is easy.
Warm up period?
~30 secs normally; up to 60 secs sub-freezing.
|
Function & Use
- Add vacuum-tubes to any system.
- Drive long cables with high-fidelity.
- Switch between two audio signal sources.
- Boost gain (up to 4x) per channel.
- Actively separate lows for subwoofers (audio crossover).
- Signal buffering (impedance bridging).
Use as Preamplifier, Crossover, or both.
Amplified by vacuum-tubes, the sound quality is natural and lively. Voices are sensual, without breakup or exaggerated sibilants. Low frequencies are at once quick and full-bodied. Image depth and soundstage are conveyed with the correct size and spacing. None of the threadbare transistory noise normally associated with car audio is present. The TC-2r and TC-4t are designed to be excellent sounding audio components.
The crossover function can be indepdently set or bypassed per channel, allowing the TC-2r or TC-4r to be used as a vacuum-tube pre-amplifier signal level adjuster, with up to +12dB (4x) of tube signal gain and two switchable stereo inputs.
The TC-2r and TC-4r complement the excellent sound quality and reliability of the BaM-235ab mobile tube amp. Every part is chosen for optimum sonic performance.
Both the TC-2r and TC-4r are designed by ear to sound good and built by hand to last a lifetime. Quality parts and Teflon/copper wire are used throughout. The sturdy sports high-quality gold/Teflon RCA jacks and stainless steel hardware that won't strip out. The faceplate is uncluttered and straightforward: Control knobs are single function, easy to grasp, and do not pull off in your hand. Miniature vacuum tubes are profiled through a window in the faceplate.
Built for the car yet comfortable even in the finest home or studio audio systems, the TC-2r and TC-4r are tube preamp/crossovers with finesse, purposely designed to deliver true high-end, home-quality sound for the car.
The TC-4r is the same as the TC-2r but with two more high frequency channels (five total independent volume controls) for use in four-channel systems.
Function of a Crossover
Since half of the energy in the ten audible octaves (20Hz-20kHz) resides below 120Hz, an active subwoofer crossover like the TC-2r or TC-4r can distribute the audio workload between two amplifiers and appropriate speakers. Incorporating the warm sound of tube signal amplification, the TC-2r and Tc-4r are lively, accurate and musical, exciting and natural.
Consider a bi-amplified system comprising a good signal source, a TC-2r or TC-4r tube crossover, a BaM-235ab car tube amp driving good satellite speakers, and a transistorized amp driving a subwoofer.
At frequencies independently set by its internal switches, the TC-2r or TC-4r separates the incoming full-spectrum audio signal into two halves via its smooth 12dB/octave Butterworth filters. The powerful low frequencies then go to the transistorized amp and subwoofer speaker which are designed to best reproduce them. The BaM-235ab and its satellite speakers, relieved of the cumbersome bass, excel at reproducing higher frequencies.
Independent front panel volume controls on the TC-2r and TC-4r allow left-right balance adjustment as well as relative volume adjustment between the subwoofer and high frequencies. This offers a convenient way to turn up the subwoofer when driving at high speeds, overpowering the increased road and wind noise which would otherwise obscure the bass.
In addition to subwoofer volume control, the TC-4r allows independent four-channel high frequency volume control. This overcomes the drawbacks of conventional balance and fader controls which give a volume increase in one channel only at the expense of a relative volume decrease elsewhere.
Price & Purchasing
The TC-2r and TC-4r Tube Preamp + Crossovers are available directly from http://milbert.com Call or email.
|
