Power draw of the LDR3x Preamp Controller Board
It's been a while since I checked that so I just tested it. It's lower than I recalled. The readings were taken at power input with 12 VDC supply using precision 0.47 ohm resistor. See results below.
20 ma - LDR3x by itself
30 ma - with single DM1 display module at modest intensity
60 ma - with single DM1 display moduel at max intensity
90 ma - with max DM1 plus LED @ 5 volts without current limiting resistor
Since it's unlikely that you'd run both the DM1 and LED at max at the same time, the 90 ma case is probably unrealistically high.
The on board LM7805 regulator that provides 5 V is not heat sinked and runs cool to the touch which makes sense given the low draw even with the 7 volt differential.
As a practical matter, most any power supply between 100-500 ma will be more than adequate.
It's been a while since I checked that so I just tested it. It's lower than I recalled. The readings were taken at power input with 12 VDC supply using precision 0.47 ohm resistor. See results below.
20 ma - LDR3x by itself
30 ma - with single DM1 display module at modest intensity
60 ma - with single DM1 display moduel at max intensity
90 ma - with max DM1 plus LED @ 5 volts without current limiting resistor
Since it's unlikely that you'd run both the DM1 and LED at max at the same time, the 90 ma case is probably unrealistically high.
The on board LM7805 regulator that provides 5 V is not heat sinked and runs cool to the touch which makes sense given the low draw even with the 7 volt differential.
As a practical matter, most any power supply between 100-500 ma will be more than adequate.
Owner Comment on the LDR1 Passive Preamp
Recent posting on Head-Fi.org by an owner of our LDR1 Passive Preamp. Doesn't get much better than this. 😀
My Review of the Tortuga Audio Passive Preamp
"I have an LDR1 and it is fabulous. Best preamp I ever owned at any price. When I bought it I thought I would get super transparent sound at the cost of thinning things out. Usually, that is the price for transparency. I took the risk anyway. I was dead wrong. The transparency is indeed the best I ever heard- but it is so full sounding- I can't believe my ears. Now- warm and full are not the same. It is not warm. It is truthful to the recording. Regardless, it is that fullness and weight and supreme smoothness without sounding bloated and without giving up one iota of detail which makes this a world class product. I doubt things could get more than 5% better at any price- even $100,000. The LDR1 is the most perfect preamp I could ever imagine."
Check it out: LDR1 Passive Preamp | Tortuga Audio
Recent posting on Head-Fi.org by an owner of our LDR1 Passive Preamp. Doesn't get much better than this. 😀
My Review of the Tortuga Audio Passive Preamp
"I have an LDR1 and it is fabulous. Best preamp I ever owned at any price. When I bought it I thought I would get super transparent sound at the cost of thinning things out. Usually, that is the price for transparency. I took the risk anyway. I was dead wrong. The transparency is indeed the best I ever heard- but it is so full sounding- I can't believe my ears. Now- warm and full are not the same. It is not warm. It is truthful to the recording. Regardless, it is that fullness and weight and supreme smoothness without sounding bloated and without giving up one iota of detail which makes this a world class product. I doubt things could get more than 5% better at any price- even $100,000. The LDR1 is the most perfect preamp I could ever imagine."
Check it out: LDR1 Passive Preamp | Tortuga Audio
LDR1 Replaced by LDR3 | LDR6 Price Reduction
Based on input from current and prospective customers, we are retiring the LDR1 effective immediately and replacing it with the LDR3.
The LDR3 will be similar in every respect to the LDR1 except that it will accommodate 3 inputs rather than just the single input of the LDR1. The LDR3 will also support similar dual parallel outputs.
We are calling the LDR3 our “Goldilocks” passive preamp. Not too few inputs like the LDR1 and not too many like the LDR6. Just right with 3 inputs & 2 outputs.
We are pleased to be offering the LDR3 at the same price as the LDR1 – $1195.
We will continue to offer the higher input capacity LDR6 with its 3 additional inputs and only a single output. In keeping with the improved price to value of the LDR1 we are pleased to be offering the LDR6 at the now reduced price point of $1295.
Link to website/store: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/
Cheers,
Morten
Based on input from current and prospective customers, we are retiring the LDR1 effective immediately and replacing it with the LDR3.
The LDR3 will be similar in every respect to the LDR1 except that it will accommodate 3 inputs rather than just the single input of the LDR1. The LDR3 will also support similar dual parallel outputs.
We are calling the LDR3 our “Goldilocks” passive preamp. Not too few inputs like the LDR1 and not too many like the LDR6. Just right with 3 inputs & 2 outputs.
We are pleased to be offering the LDR3 at the same price as the LDR1 – $1195.
We will continue to offer the higher input capacity LDR6 with its 3 additional inputs and only a single output. In keeping with the improved price to value of the LDR1 we are pleased to be offering the LDR6 at the now reduced price point of $1295.
Link to website/store: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/
Cheers,
Morten
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LDR3x.V2 Preamp Controller Board to be released soon
We are sold out of the original LDR3x and since release of the Version 2 board is in sight, we are no longer offering the Version 1 board. We will of course continue to support the version 1 board.
We are really pumped about the LDR3x.V2 board 😀 Here's the announcement and some more info on the LDR3x.V2: LDR3x.V2 Preamp Controller Board Coming Soon | Tortuga Audio
We are taking pre-orders for the LDR3x.V2. You can pre-order the LDR3x.V2 here: LDR3x.V2 Passive Preamp Controller | Tortuga Audio
Cheers,
Morten
We are sold out of the original LDR3x and since release of the Version 2 board is in sight, we are no longer offering the Version 1 board. We will of course continue to support the version 1 board.
We are really pumped about the LDR3x.V2 board 😀 Here's the announcement and some more info on the LDR3x.V2: LDR3x.V2 Preamp Controller Board Coming Soon | Tortuga Audio
We are taking pre-orders for the LDR3x.V2. You can pre-order the LDR3x.V2 here: LDR3x.V2 Passive Preamp Controller | Tortuga Audio
Cheers,
Morten
audioXpress Interview Article on Tortuga Audio
I must be famous! Or is it infamous? Or perhaps just mildly interesting? 😀
Here's an interview article about me and Tortuga Audio recently published in audioXpress magazine.
Link to article: Q&A: Engineer Takes a Chance on Start-Up Audio Venture | audioXpress
I must be famous! Or is it infamous? Or perhaps just mildly interesting? 😀
Here's an interview article about me and Tortuga Audio recently published in audioXpress magazine.
Link to article: Q&A: Engineer Takes a Chance on Start-Up Audio Venture | audioXpress
SaveTheStereo.com
A worthwhile initiative for audio enthusiasts to support. Check it out. Spread the word - in stereo!
Save The Stereo: THE PROJECT | Save The Stereo
A worthwhile initiative for audio enthusiasts to support. Check it out. Spread the word - in stereo!
Save The Stereo: THE PROJECT | Save The Stereo
Cardas RCA Jacks
We are pleased to announce that we are now using Cardas RCA jacks in builds of our LDR3 Passive Preamp. 😀
These are gorgeous beefy brass jacks with rhodium over silver plate. These are their "long" jacks suitable for both thin and thicker rear panels. We plan on using Cardas jacks going forward in all our new product designs. Unfortunately, we can't use these with our LDR6 Passive Preamp due to space constraints.
We are also selling these to the DIY community but only in pairs. Pricing is per Cardas guidelines. Here's the link to our website: Cardas RCA Jacks (pair) | Tortuga Audio
We are pleased to announce that we are now using Cardas RCA jacks in builds of our LDR3 Passive Preamp. 😀
These are gorgeous beefy brass jacks with rhodium over silver plate. These are their "long" jacks suitable for both thin and thicker rear panels. We plan on using Cardas jacks going forward in all our new product designs. Unfortunately, we can't use these with our LDR6 Passive Preamp due to space constraints.
We are also selling these to the DIY community but only in pairs. Pricing is per Cardas guidelines. Here's the link to our website: Cardas RCA Jacks (pair) | Tortuga Audio
I bought 2 LDR3x boards just before the announcement of the major upgrade - any chance of exchanging the old boards for the new ones? The price looks to be the same.
Pricing on the LDR3x.V2 Board
Wanted to clarify this since I've received several questions about it.
$199 - LDR3x.V2 pricing during the pre-order period (which is on track to end in roughly 3 weeks).
$239 - LDR3x.V2 pricing after the pre-order period once the board is released and available to be shipped.
We are sold out of the original LDR3x and since release of the Version 2 board is in sight, we are no longer offering the Version 1 board. We will of course continue to support the version 1 board.
We are really pumped about the LDR3x.V2 board 😀 Here's the announcement and some more info on the LDR3x.V2: LDR3x.V2 Preamp Controller Board Coming Soon | Tortuga Audio
We are taking pre-orders for the LDR3x.V2. You can pre-order the LDR3x.V2 here: LDR3x.V2 Passive Preamp Controller | Tortuga Audio
Cheers,
Morten
Wanted to clarify this since I've received several questions about it.
$199 - LDR3x.V2 pricing during the pre-order period (which is on track to end in roughly 3 weeks).
$239 - LDR3x.V2 pricing after the pre-order period once the board is released and available to be shipped.
I am prepared to pay the difference between V1 and V2 boards.
Again, I received the V1 boards on 02/28 and the announcement of V2 came on 03/03, and I feel slightly taken advantage of.
Again, I received the V1 boards on 02/28 and the announcement of V2 came on 03/03, and I feel slightly taken advantage of.
Cardas RCA Jack Pricing - Clarification
Just to clarify. These beautiful RCA jacks retail for $31.04 a pair and are semi-permanently on sale for only $24.83 - that's for 2 jacks.
Cardas RCA Jacks (pair) | Tortuga Audio
We are pleased to announce that we are now using Cardas RCA jacks in builds of our LDR3 Passive Preamp. 😀
These are gorgeous beefy brass jacks with rhodium over silver plate. These are their "long" jacks suitable for both thin and thicker rear panels. We plan on using Cardas jacks going forward in all our new product designs. Unfortunately, we can't use these with our LDR6 Passive Preamp due to space constraints.
We are also selling these to the DIY community but only in pairs. Pricing is per Cardas guidelines. Here's the link to our website: Cardas RCA Jacks (pair) | Tortuga Audio
Just to clarify. These beautiful RCA jacks retail for $31.04 a pair and are semi-permanently on sale for only $24.83 - that's for 2 jacks.
Cardas RCA Jacks (pair) | Tortuga Audio
The boards are still covered with "30 day audition period". Could they be returned for a full refund?
30 Day Audition
You have a nominal 30 day window to audition any Tortuga Audio product. If you are not satisfied with your Tortuga Audio product just return it within 30 days of the shipment date and we will refund the full purchase price. No questions asked. And we do not charge a restocking fee.
30 Day Audition
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Audition In Brief
You have a nominal 30 day window to audition any Tortuga Audio product. If you are not satisfied with your Tortuga Audio product just return it within 30 days of the shipment date and we will refund the full purchase price. No questions asked. And we do not charge a restocking fee.
Indeed you are correct regarding the terms of our 30 day audition policy. Although one could argue that after having purchased, repackaged and sold numerous LDR3x derived preamps to third parties, you've long since moved past the intent of this policy to protect the audio consumer from buying a product sight unseen (and unheard!). But as you've elevated this to a public bitch session, we will stand by the letter of this policy in affect at the time of purchase and shipment.
So the answer is yes. You will indeed get your money back in full as per our then policy as soon as we are in receipt of the 2 boards in question, all in good order.
After giving this some thought, going forward, we are making the following policy changes with immediate effect.
1) Absent a written and mutually executed OEM supply agreement (which we are always happy to discuss), any Tortuga Audio component purchased or used by a buyer, or affiliate or via resale to a third party, in the production of any subsequent non-Tortuga Audio product, shall not be covered by either our 30 Day Audition Policy or by our 5 Year Warranty policy.
2) No person may utilize the Tortuga Audio brand in any way in the promotion or sale of their own product, notwithstanding that it may contain a Tortuga Audio component, without our express written permission. From a legal standpoint, it's probably not necessary to say this but it doesn't hurt to be clear.
Have a nice day. 😉
Dear Morten,
If you have objections of anybody buying your boards, making preamplifiers, and selling them to the public, you should state so - officially on your website, in private or otherwise. I doubt it would be possible though - Tortuga does not make "LDR3x preamplifier" (up until recently at least).
I'm a DIY guy and I build all kinds of gear - John Broskie, Nelson Pass, John Curl, Uriah Daley, you name it. Never heard any complaints about using their boards or the names of their creations as it is obvious DIY.
I don't use Tortuga name to deceive or draw an excess profit - the name Tortuga LDR3x appears on my ads as it is the product that is for sale. Furthermore all my ads feature pics, including inside pics, showing my signature on the preamp. I put a lot of effort to build a beautiful and well constructed preamplifier, and I have yet to hear a single complaint about the quality of my workmanship or the sound quality of the preamp. The "profit" is minimal.
But why do you complain? Maybe you feel threatened by my non-exaggerated pricing?
My main complaint was that after all our discussions about new models and self calibrating features you chose to sell the remaining boards to me at full price just before announcing that this model is "discontinued" and the new model is in - I understand your reasons, but it is sneaky still.
To elevate this to a public "bitching" was not my choice as you chose to ignore my repeated emails.
I am planning on buying Tortuga boards and building preamps for sale - like it or not. If you have objections regarding name use in the ads you should probably give a different name to your DIY boards that would exclude the word "Tortuga". I still need to refer my customers to your website for more information.
I sold all my Tortuga (may I use this name?) preamps but one which I am keeping for myself.
I hope this "discourse" will result in better/clearer policies and lower prices at Tortuga.
If you have objections of anybody buying your boards, making preamplifiers, and selling them to the public, you should state so - officially on your website, in private or otherwise. I doubt it would be possible though - Tortuga does not make "LDR3x preamplifier" (up until recently at least).
I'm a DIY guy and I build all kinds of gear - John Broskie, Nelson Pass, John Curl, Uriah Daley, you name it. Never heard any complaints about using their boards or the names of their creations as it is obvious DIY.
I don't use Tortuga name to deceive or draw an excess profit - the name Tortuga LDR3x appears on my ads as it is the product that is for sale. Furthermore all my ads feature pics, including inside pics, showing my signature on the preamp. I put a lot of effort to build a beautiful and well constructed preamplifier, and I have yet to hear a single complaint about the quality of my workmanship or the sound quality of the preamp. The "profit" is minimal.
But why do you complain? Maybe you feel threatened by my non-exaggerated pricing?
My main complaint was that after all our discussions about new models and self calibrating features you chose to sell the remaining boards to me at full price just before announcing that this model is "discontinued" and the new model is in - I understand your reasons, but it is sneaky still.
To elevate this to a public "bitching" was not my choice as you chose to ignore my repeated emails.
I am planning on buying Tortuga boards and building preamps for sale - like it or not. If you have objections regarding name use in the ads you should probably give a different name to your DIY boards that would exclude the word "Tortuga". I still need to refer my customers to your website for more information.
I sold all my Tortuga (may I use this name?) preamps but one which I am keeping for myself.
I hope this "discourse" will result in better/clearer policies and lower prices at Tortuga.
LDR3 Now Shipping!
We are finally shipping the LDR3 Passive Preamps. The LDR3 has taken the place of the LDR1.
Check out those gorgeous Cardas RCA jacks. Too bad they're not on the front!
The LDR3 also includes the new low noise switch mode dc power converter.
Cheers, 😀
Morten
We are finally shipping the LDR3 Passive Preamps. The LDR3 has taken the place of the LDR1.
Check out those gorgeous Cardas RCA jacks. Too bad they're not on the front!
The LDR3 also includes the new low noise switch mode dc power converter.
Cheers, 😀
Morten
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