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This is a gag review, right? I hope this is just a joke because I cannot believe something so shoddy could make its way out of anybody's shop. Looks like it was assembled by a drunk.
Doesn't surprise me in the least. For a big name model like the SLO you need reliability and consistency. Vactrols are, in the modern world, a device that has no reason to exist.
I understand why he used them at the time. Relays when it was initially designed weren't great - at least at sizes that made sense for that PCB. Plus, the popping upon channel switching complicated the circuit design with the need for anti-pop resistors or mute FETs.
"The bottom line is simple, this component will improve the sound of any compatible system. One must simply accept to live with the low budget look and feel of the unit. At the $1000 asking price it's worth the investment for all but the most low budget systems."
It's like you're getting an autograph free of charge. The whole look reminds me of road worn/pre-aged electric guitars. I think we really do need to see a proper teardown/analysis of the unit @amirm tested at this stage.
Expensive for the low quality. It might sell because people equate hand-made with high quality, but a look at the interior reveals poor soldering and signal path planning. Another great review to help us direct our passion without wasting Dollars.
How many fall to the name and purchased one of the True Pre-Amp?
Do they have a return / refund policy?
If not, I assume that the feeling being stuck with this "masterpiece", is like flashing down the toilet $1k.
I had to assemble it myself, but I think I paid less for this Douglas Self-designed preamplifier even with shipping costs from England to the USA. View attachment 132761
As for the gut shot of a seemingly different version in post #17, OMG, what a hack job! And it's illegal and dangerous. PE wire going through a measily switch (a ground lift, probably) on its way to the chassis, baam!