VTL TL7.5 Two Piece Tube/FET Reference Preamplifier - w/ Custom Black Ash Side Panels

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General:
This is an flagship two piece hybrid Tube preamp from VTL originally released early 2000's. The fit and finish of this preamp is among the best we've seen at our shop. 

The TL 7.5 utilizes a tube gain stage using a pair of 12AX7/ECC83 that feed into a MOSFET output stage. By designing the preamp this way, VTL managed pair the warm detailed sound of tubes with the reliability and flexibility of solid state.

Looking at the backside you realize that VTL did not spare any expense in building this. Since this is a dual mono design their are separate communication/control links to each side of this preamp and a thick and well made power cord linking the chassis.

Connectivity includes four single ended inputs and four balanced XLR inputs, plus two sets of tape loops (perfect for the reel to reel or cassette deck enthusiast)

This particular VTL Tl7.5 has upgraded custom solid black ash side wood panels that look stunning in person adding to its desirability. Included will be its cabling, remote, and original box for safe transit.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
We opted to replace these panels with solid black ash panels hand crafted by our local artisan woodworker. The top covers have light marks and scratches from unit stacking.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
As far as we can tell this is the original version of this preamplifier. The model number line of the control unit reads TL-7.5 C.U. Tube Notes: The preamp chassis has been fitted with a strong and balanced pair of Russian made Mullard 12AU7 reissue tubes.

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, IEC Power, Control and power links.

General Sound:
Big beautiful musical sound with little fatigue.

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Reviews:
Click Here

Original MSRP:
$12,500.00

Specs:

• Type:

  • Tubed, two-chassis, remote-control line preamplifier with MOSFET output stage

• Tube Complement:

  • 2 × 12AX7

• Inputs:

  • 4 pairs balanced (XLR) or RCA single-ended

  • 4 pairs single-ended (RCA)

• Outputs:

  • 2 pairs balanced

  • 2 pairs single-ended (RCA)

  • 2 pairs single-ended (RCA) buffered Tape Out

• Remote-Control Functions:

  • Power

  • Source Select

  • Volume up/down

  • Mute

  • Fade

  • Balance

  • Phase Reverse

• Voltage Gain:

  • 20dB to RCA outputs

  • 26dB to XLR outputs

• Output Impedance:

  • 25 ohms (150 ohms max at 10Hz)

• Input Impedance:

  • 50k ohms (20k ohms minimum)

• Frequency Response:

  • 1Hz–100kHz, +0/-1dB

  • 20Hz–100kHz, +0/-1dB into 600 ohms with 900pF, 20' interconnect cable

• Maximum Output Voltage:

  • 45V, 10Hz–200kHz into 600 ohms at 1% THD

• Channel Separation  100db at 1kHz, 80db at 20KHz

• Power Consumption:

  • 150W

Dimensions:
17.5 W by 4" H by 17.5 D. Audio chassis: 17.5 W by 6" H by 17.5 D

Weight:
65 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2003

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface.

The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected.

If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.