VTL TP-6.5 Series II Signature Hybrid Tube Phono Preamplifier - Complete Set with Upgrades

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General:
This phono preamp from VTL is super impressive - MSRP was $18,000!

It features a hybrid JFET/Tube design for quiet operation, plus passive RIAA equalization for the best sound quality possible.

Another noteworthy feature is its front control panel. Settings such as loading and gain can be easily adjusted. Many phono preamps are not like this and require flipping dip switches or opening up the unit and changing individual resistors.

Lastly, it's very well made with high-quality materials throughout its 50lb construction.

This TP-6.5 Series II Signature preamp includes a high-quality Moving-Coil step-up transformer option to offer a low-noise MC step-up, and a second MC stage.

This second MC input replaces the original MM input that's normally standard in this phono stage, and uses the existing MM input to provide access to the MC  step-up transformer.

In our bench and listening testing this phono stage sounded wonderful. Along with the preamp it will come with its original box, manual, and remote. 

More From VTL:
The TP-6.5 Series II Signature Phono Preamplifier is a major update and improvement to the TP-6.5 Signature Phono stage. Its upgrades include circuit enhancements originally developed for the acclaimed TL-7.5 Series III Reference Preamplifier, as well as newly designed, more robust power storage for the active MC stage.

The original TP-6.5 Phono preamplifier complemented the top of the line VTL TL-6.5 and TL7.5 Linestage Preamplifiers, matching them in sonic performance, user interface and cosmetics. The new TP-6.5II pushes the analog envelope even further, utilizing the latest innovations from VTL. The result is a phono stage that substantially improves upon the performance of its predecessor.

The phono stage employs hybrid JFET/tube circuitry for quiet operation, multiple low-noise cascaded regulators and shielded power supplies for increased dynamics, accurate 4-corner passive RIAA equalization and 68dB of gain from the balanced outputs, all in a single chassis unit. A wide selection of load and gain settings as well as other input functions are easily accessible via both front panel and remote control.

One of the design breakthroughs in the TP-6.5 II is the use of the shunt regulator in the power supply, which offers superior regulation and ripple rejection and minimizes the sonic impact on the audio signal due to lowered amplification in the regulator. The result is a noticeable lowering of background noise contributing to stability and better delineation of midrange and midbass. There is more air around the voices, more finesse, extension, and nuances – giving an overall more lifelike impression. Especially noticeable improvement in the active MC Stage is its speed and dynamics.

Further improvement in the TP-6.5 Series II comes from the implementation of massive low impedance power supply storage in the active MC stage, fed by multiple cascaded regulators and capacitance multiplier circuits. The resulting rigid, low impedance power supplies prevent power supply ripple and other noise from affecting the sensitive MC signal. The new gel capacitor technology, which offers dramatically higher capacitance in much smaller packages, is key to the breakthrough in the TP6.5 II’s active MC stage directly contributing to its remarkable lower noise level and ability to handle very low output cartridges.

The TP-6.5II also offers a high quality transformer Moving Coil step up option, both to offer a low-noise MC step up, and a second MC stage. This second MC input replaces the original MM input that is normally standard in the TP6.5 Phono Stage, and uses the existing MM input to provide access to the transformer MC step up.

The addition of the step up transformer allows both for appropriate loading for very low-output cartridges, and the flexibility of handling different cartridges with different step up methods, as in some cases certain cartridges can sound substantially better with transformers than they do with active gain stages. The transformer also allows the cartridge to be loaded via the transformer, instead of via the loading resistor, retaining as much of the signal available from these cartridges as possible.

Switching between the inputs is done only after the signal has been amplified, avoiding signal losses inherent in switching the fragile MC signal straight from the cartridge.

This option offers the maximum MC cartridge handling flexibility, and also accommodates multiple arms and multiple MC cartridges, as both inputs can be connected simultaneously.

MSRP:
$18,000

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some light scratches on the chassis, overall good.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
The MC phono input is loaded with two NOS RFT 12AU7 tubes. The remaining six tubes are the original JJ ECC81 and ECC83 that came loaded in the amp. All tubes were tested and verified using our modern and professional tube testing equipment. 

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, Ground terminal, IEC Power

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:
Unit, remote, box, manual and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Vacuum Tube Complement: 2 x 12AU7 MC (MC Stage), 2 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AT7MM, 2 x 12AT7
Inputs: 2 pairs single-ended/RCA
Outputs: 1 pair balanced out XLR out, 1 pair single-ended RCA out
Remote control functions: Power, MC/MM Source Select, Gain up/down, Mute, Rumble, Load, Mono, Phase
Maximum Gain: MC: 62dB single ended, 68dB balanced, MM: 35dB single ended, 40dB balanced
Output Impedance: 150Ω
Input Impedance (Cartridge Load): Selectable MC: 100Ω, 250Ω, 470Ω, 1kΩ, 2.5kΩ, 4.7kΩ, 47kΩ, User Defined Selectable MM: 10kΩ, 22kΩ, 47kΩ, User Defined
Frequency response +0-1 dB: 1Hz – 100kHz
Maximum Output Voltage <1% THD: 10 VRMS @ 1kHz (10kΩ load)
Channel Separation: >70dB @ 1kHz (>65dB @ 20kHz)
Power Consumption: 80 Watts

Dimensions:
17.5 x 17 x 4.75 inches

Weight:
50 lbs.

Review:
Click Here

Link to Manual:
Click Here

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.