The Absolute Sound reviews the LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp
Check out the review of our LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp in the December, 2015 issue of The Absolute Sound.
See the review summary below and here's a link to the review itself: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/documents/docs/TAS_Review_LDR3.V2_December2015.pdf
Check out the review of our LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp in the December, 2015 issue of The Absolute Sound.
See the review summary below and here's a link to the review itself: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/documents/docs/TAS_Review_LDR3.V2_December2015.pdf
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PS12B Battery Power Supply
The PS12B Battery Power Supply is now available for pre-order on our website.
Having learned from our prior experiences that new products have never been released by our planned release date I pushed the release date out an extra month in an attempt to catch up to reality. We'll see how that goes. 😱
Please note that with pre-orders you are not charged until the actual release date.
More info on the PS12B can be found here: PS12B Battery Power Supply | Tortuga Audio
[Pic shows an LDR3.V2 preamp sitting on top of the PS12B Battery Power Supply]
The PS12B Battery Power Supply is now available for pre-order on our website.
Having learned from our prior experiences that new products have never been released by our planned release date I pushed the release date out an extra month in an attempt to catch up to reality. We'll see how that goes. 😱
Please note that with pre-orders you are not charged until the actual release date.
More info on the PS12B can be found here: PS12B Battery Power Supply | Tortuga Audio
[Pic shows an LDR3.V2 preamp sitting on top of the PS12B Battery Power Supply]
TAS Editors' Choice Award
Received a pleasant surprise over the holiday break.
Was notified that our LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp made The Absolute Sound's Editors' Choice Awards list for 2016.
Good way to start the New Year.
Received a pleasant surprise over the holiday break.
Was notified that our LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp made The Absolute Sound's Editors' Choice Awards list for 2016.
Good way to start the New Year.
As a pro AV installer I can say it is a top notch product! Best sound experience. We use it in most of our home theaters installation projects
"Boathull" custom milled speakers/cabinets
Here are pics of the finished "boathull" 0.32 cubic foot speaker cabinets. Made of milled baltic birch plywood with zebra wood veneer on top, bottom and baffle. Body is ellipsoid (boat hull) in shape - 1 inch thick walls. Finished in about 10 layers of gloss poly oil.
Woofer is a Scanspeak Revelator 15W/8530K00
Tweeter is a Scanspeak Revelator D2905/990000
Customer wanted these built without crossovers so unfortunately I'm not going to get to have a proper listen before shipping them out...but that was the arrangement. They are set up for external crossover/bi-amping.
There's a reason most speaker cabinets are simple rectangular boxes - cheap and easy. These are neither. Very unique and quite stunning to look at. Each cabinet is unique with its own laminate pattern depending on the random nature of the baltic birch in the plywood.
Our next build will be a set of floor standers, probably 44 inches tall, 13.5 inches wide with 10" Audio Nirvana full range drivers. Considering making those with continuous integral baltic birch all the way around - no separate front baffle to attach. That build will become our standard design.
Please contact me if you, or anybody you know, is interested in a set of custom make cabinets using this construction technique. At this point we're only planning to build these to order.
Here are pics of the finished "boathull" 0.32 cubic foot speaker cabinets. Made of milled baltic birch plywood with zebra wood veneer on top, bottom and baffle. Body is ellipsoid (boat hull) in shape - 1 inch thick walls. Finished in about 10 layers of gloss poly oil.
Woofer is a Scanspeak Revelator 15W/8530K00
Tweeter is a Scanspeak Revelator D2905/990000
Customer wanted these built without crossovers so unfortunately I'm not going to get to have a proper listen before shipping them out...but that was the arrangement. They are set up for external crossover/bi-amping.
There's a reason most speaker cabinets are simple rectangular boxes - cheap and easy. These are neither. Very unique and quite stunning to look at. Each cabinet is unique with its own laminate pattern depending on the random nature of the baltic birch in the plywood.
Our next build will be a set of floor standers, probably 44 inches tall, 13.5 inches wide with 10" Audio Nirvana full range drivers. Considering making those with continuous integral baltic birch all the way around - no separate front baffle to attach. That build will become our standard design.
Please contact me if you, or anybody you know, is interested in a set of custom make cabinets using this construction technique. At this point we're only planning to build these to order.
Firmware Update & Apple Remote Changes
Effective Monday, May 16, 2016 we are releasing version 2.2 of our firmware including changes in how the Apple Remote is used to control Tortuga Audio preamps. All new preamps will ship with the 2.2 firmware. Owners of existing V2 series preamps including the LDRx and LDRxB can upgrade to the 2.2 firmware if they wish.
This firmware update is a refinement of Tortuga Audio's V2 (and V2.1) generation preamp controller that was last released in January of 2015.
Highlights of this firmware update are as follows:
* Addition of auto-repeat to the Apple Remote providing ease of ramping volume up or down with a single press of the remote
* Improved Apple Remote functionality through a restructured control scheme
* Balance adjustment is now the primary function of the left/right buttons along with volume control via raise/lower buttons
* The Power On/Off button is now the Power On/Off-Mute button
* The Mute(play) button has been repurposed as a Control Mode button with the following control modes:
* Enhanced stability through numerous tweaks under-the-hood
* Better protection against spurious infrared noise sources that might cause false control inputs
The firmware won't be available for download until Monday 5.16.16.
More info can be found via the following 2 links:
A posted article saying substantially the same thing as above.
Firmware Update & Apple Remote Changes | Tortuga Audio
A new section in our documentation detailing the new Apple Remote controls.
Product Documentation
For those interested in building your own DIY LDR passive preamp, we sell all the core parts needed and also complete kits. More info available here: DIY Passive Preamp Parts | Tortuga Audio
Happy to answer any questions.
Cheers, 😀
Morten
Effective Monday, May 16, 2016 we are releasing version 2.2 of our firmware including changes in how the Apple Remote is used to control Tortuga Audio preamps. All new preamps will ship with the 2.2 firmware. Owners of existing V2 series preamps including the LDRx and LDRxB can upgrade to the 2.2 firmware if they wish.
This firmware update is a refinement of Tortuga Audio's V2 (and V2.1) generation preamp controller that was last released in January of 2015.
Highlights of this firmware update are as follows:
* Addition of auto-repeat to the Apple Remote providing ease of ramping volume up or down with a single press of the remote
* Improved Apple Remote functionality through a restructured control scheme
* Balance adjustment is now the primary function of the left/right buttons along with volume control via raise/lower buttons
* The Power On/Off button is now the Power On/Off-Mute button
* The Mute(play) button has been repurposed as a Control Mode button with the following control modes:
* Input Adjust
* Impedance Adjust
* Display Brightness Adjust
* Max Volume at Input Change Adjust
* Improved control integration between preamp boards for balanced audio configurations* Impedance Adjust
* Display Brightness Adjust
* Max Volume at Input Change Adjust
* Enhanced stability through numerous tweaks under-the-hood
* Better protection against spurious infrared noise sources that might cause false control inputs
The firmware won't be available for download until Monday 5.16.16.
More info can be found via the following 2 links:
A posted article saying substantially the same thing as above.
Firmware Update & Apple Remote Changes | Tortuga Audio
A new section in our documentation detailing the new Apple Remote controls.
Product Documentation
For those interested in building your own DIY LDR passive preamp, we sell all the core parts needed and also complete kits. More info available here: DIY Passive Preamp Parts | Tortuga Audio
Happy to answer any questions.
Cheers, 😀
Morten
Golden Ear Award for Tortuga Audio's LDR3.V2
We are pleased to announce that Absolute Sound has given our LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp its Golden Ear Award for 2016! 😀
We are pleased to announce that Absolute Sound has given our LDR3.V2 Passive Preamp its Golden Ear Award for 2016! 😀
Congrats!
All your hard work paid off! I can second that anytime! Beats any preamps I have ever heard too!
Do
All your hard work paid off! I can second that anytime! Beats any preamps I have ever heard too!
Do
LDR1.V2 Passive Preamp - single input
On October 1st we are releasing a new single input version of our popular single-ended LDR passive preamps - the LDR1.V2.
The LDR1 is $995 including free domestic US shipping. It's available now for pre-order. You won't be charged for pre-ordering until such time as the preamp is released October 1st.
More info on the LDR1 can be found here: LDR1.V2 Passive Preamp | Tortuga Audio
On October 1st we are releasing a new single input version of our popular single-ended LDR passive preamps - the LDR1.V2.
The LDR1 is $995 including free domestic US shipping. It's available now for pre-order. You won't be charged for pre-ordering until such time as the preamp is released October 1st.
More info on the LDR1 can be found here: LDR1.V2 Passive Preamp | Tortuga Audio
LDR.V25 preamp controller is now available for pre-order
The LDR.V25 preamp controller is now available for pre-order with an anticipated release date of April 1st.
Changes from the V2.1 predecessor model include:
During the pre-release period we are offering the V25 at $50 off the list price.
If you wish to pre-order a V25 keep in mind that you will NOT be charged until the V25 is released.
Cheers,
Morten
The LDR.V25 preamp controller is now available for pre-order with an anticipated release date of April 1st.
Changes from the V2.1 predecessor model include:
- Integrated input switching for up to 6 inputs (12 channels) - no more separate IO board
- All input switching done with LDRs - no relays in signal path
- 32 (vs. 8 ) bit high performance ARM processor with significantly more code space available for growth/improvements
- 4 vs. 2 12 bit DACs for more precise control the LDRs
- Fully automatic hands-off self-calibration of the LDRs
- 120 vs. 60 attenuation steps (0.5 db/step)
- Active components mostly surface mount vs. through hole
- Significantly improved on board power supply regulation
Details on the V25 including pricing/options etc. can be found here: LDR V25 Preamp Controller | Tortuga Audio
During the pre-release period we are offering the V25 at $50 off the list price.
If you wish to pre-order a V25 keep in mind that you will NOT be charged until the V25 is released.
Cheers,
Morten
LDR.V25 preamp controller with remote control
Check out our latest LDR V25 preamp controller board - starting at $299 with single input
More info here: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/diy-preamp-components/ldr-v25-preamp-controller/
Some the highlights include:
* LDRs - light dependent resistors - for amazing sound quality
* 99 step attenuation over 60 dB
* up to 6 switchable inputs using LDR for switching
* built-in self-calibration of LDRs
* uses the Apple remote control (sold separately or use your own silver Apple remote)
* also controllable via encoder knob
* visual feedback via dual 7-segment display modules (sold separately)
* firmware update via USB connection and PC (not available for MACs).
Check out our latest LDR V25 preamp controller board - starting at $299 with single input
More info here: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/diy-preamp-components/ldr-v25-preamp-controller/
Some the highlights include:
* LDRs - light dependent resistors - for amazing sound quality
* 99 step attenuation over 60 dB
* up to 6 switchable inputs using LDR for switching
* built-in self-calibration of LDRs
* uses the Apple remote control (sold separately or use your own silver Apple remote)
* also controllable via encoder knob
* visual feedback via dual 7-segment display modules (sold separately)
* firmware update via USB connection and PC (not available for MACs).
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LDR.V25 preamp controller plus component kit
We are now offering a component kit for the V25 that includes:
* Apple remote
* 12 VDC power supply
* rotary encoder with cable
* dual display modules with cables
* USB cable (for firmware update)
for $181.
So for $299 for V25 plus $181 you get everything except for RCA jacks, wire and enclosure to build you own high performance passive preamp. Add a buffer of your choice and you have an exceptional high performance active preamp.
We are now offering a component kit for the V25 that includes:
* Apple remote
* 12 VDC power supply
* rotary encoder with cable
* dual display modules with cables
* USB cable (for firmware update)
for $181.
So for $299 for V25 plus $181 you get everything except for RCA jacks, wire and enclosure to build you own high performance passive preamp. Add a buffer of your choice and you have an exceptional high performance active preamp.
Check out our latest LDR V25 preamp controller board - starting at $299 with single input
More info here: LDR V25 Preamp Controller | Tortuga Audio
Some the highlights include:
* LDRs - light dependent resistors - for amazing sound quality
* 99 step attenuation over 60 dB
* up to 6 switchable inputs using LDR for switching
* built-in self-calibration of LDRs
* uses the Apple remote control (sold separately or use your own silver Apple remote)
* also controllable via encoder knob
* visual feedback via dual 7-segment display modules (sold separately)
* firmware update via USB connection and PC (not available for MACs).
LDR3.V25K Passive Preamp Kit
Looking for a comprehensive passive preamp kit?
We've updated our kit with our new V25 Preamp Controller Board and now also have detailed online assembly instructions.
The kit is $749 - more info here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/passive-preamp-kits/ldr3-v25k-passive-preamp-kit/
Kit assembly instructions here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/product=documentation/ldr3-v25k-preamp-kit/
Looking for a comprehensive passive preamp kit?
We've updated our kit with our new V25 Preamp Controller Board and now also have detailed online assembly instructions.
The kit is $749 - more info here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/passive-preamp-kits/ldr3-v25k-passive-preamp-kit/
Kit assembly instructions here: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/product=documentation/ldr3-v25k-preamp-kit/
Wow, it's actually been a whole year since we posted here. What the heck have we been doing in the meantime?
One project that's been occupying a lot of our time is evolving our latest V25 LDR Preamp Controller including a ton of work incorporating a new graphic OLED display and menu driven interactive remote control that makes it way easier to configure and use our preamp controller.
We've also updated the base V25 offering to include 3 input switching plus a mono switch with optional expansion to 6 inputs.
The V25 with 3 inputs plus mono switch is available for $299 - LDR V25 Preamp Controller | Tortuga Audio
The 256 x 64 pixel white on black OLED display is available for $149 - OLED Display Module | Tortuga Audio
More info on the OLED display control menu structure can be found in our online documentation: Product Documentation | Tortuga Audio
One project that's been occupying a lot of our time is evolving our latest V25 LDR Preamp Controller including a ton of work incorporating a new graphic OLED display and menu driven interactive remote control that makes it way easier to configure and use our preamp controller.
We've also updated the base V25 offering to include 3 input switching plus a mono switch with optional expansion to 6 inputs.
The V25 with 3 inputs plus mono switch is available for $299 - LDR V25 Preamp Controller | Tortuga Audio
The 256 x 64 pixel white on black OLED display is available for $149 - OLED Display Module | Tortuga Audio
More info on the OLED display control menu structure can be found in our online documentation: Product Documentation | Tortuga Audio
Here's the new menu/control outline for the LDR V25 Preamp Controller with the new graphic OLED display.
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Does this unit still suffer from lack of bass and mid range or is this an issue of an older model . What has been done to resolve this issue .
Never experienced this even with the first iteration of the product.
Since it is passive, the lack of bass and mids could be that you need to shorten your inter-connects or get a buffer, especially if your amplifier’s input impedance is very low it will be harder to drive.
I have version 1 and 2 and they work very well but please do check cable impedance the amplifier’s. You could even use a buffer to test.
All the best!
Do
Since it is passive, the lack of bass and mids could be that you need to shorten your inter-connects or get a buffer, especially if your amplifier’s input impedance is very low it will be harder to drive.
I have version 1 and 2 and they work very well but please do check cable impedance the amplifier’s. You could even use a buffer to test.
All the best!
Do
No it doesn't, and I've also stopped beating my wife. Actually neither is true. What?
One thing that has never ever happened, ever, is someone who has bought and actually used our LDR preamps, who then subsequently contacted us and said our preamp controller lacks bass and midrange. Now I concede it's possible that someone may have suffered in silence and not told us but I've found that most folks are quick to communicate their disappointments.
My own personal experience is that our preamp controllers do not in fact suffer from lack of bass or midrange. Never have. If they did I'd quit making them. Just like I did with my wife. Wait. What?
No it doesn't, and I've also stopped beating my wife. Actually neither is true. What?
One thing that has never ever happened, ever, is someone who has bought and actually used our LDR preamps, who then subsequently contacted us and said our preamp controller lacks bass and midrange. Now I concede it's possible that someone may have suffered in silence and not told us but I've found that most folks are quick to communicate their disappointments.
My own personal experience is that our preamp controllers do not in fact suffer from lack of bass or midrange. Never have. If they did I'd quit making them. Just like I did with my wife. Wait. What?
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