FEATURES

The fundamental qualities that made the original TL-5.5 special—its all-tube design, the optional retrofittable phono stage, and its superb sonic characteristics—are unchanged. What’s new is the application of advanced audio technology sourced from VTL’s TL-7.5 Reference and TL-6.5 Signature preamplifiers. This technology uses a simple circuit topology with low negative feedback and a high current/low impedance output stage in a low-noise microprocessor-based design. Top quality parts, fully balanced operation, and precision-regulated and shielded power supplies yield a full yet neutral sound with high resolution, transparency, speed and powerful dynamics.

Much of the engineering prowess inherent in these world-class preamps has been transferred to the new TL5.5. New fully regulated power supplies are similar to those of its bigger siblings and the unit is now fully balanced, for inputs as well as outputs. Similarly, VTL’s latest thinking from our new and acclaimed TP-6.5 Signature phono stage is now applied to the optional MC phono stage, which can be easily retrofitted internally. It offers 68dB of gain and a balanced output, with a JFET/12AU7 high current MC stage (or high-grade stepup transformer), split-pole passive RIAA stage with a dual 12AX7 MM stage for maximum headroom voltage swing. Triple-precision power supply regulation and full gain and load setting with RIAA enhanced and rumble cut functions translate to a clean and quiet yet dynamic sound that brings vinyl to life!

VTL has delivered on its goal of bringing advanced engineering and modern functionality to the new TL-5.5 Series II preamplifier. With the same highly intuitive user interface of the renowned TL-7.5 and 6.5, and a full-function remote, the new TL-5.5 is a pleasure to use. A rigid, well-shielded chassis yields quiet operation while bi-directional RS-232 serial interface allows for seamless integration into any audio system. A luxurious cosmetic makeover includes a sleek and visually striking precision-milled faceplate similar to those used on its much more expensive brethren. For a well-priced, high-performance all-tube preamplifier, the TL-5.5 is a truly fine addition to any system.

Functionality Features

• Almost half the price of the TL-6.5 Signature Preamplifier
• Luxurious cosmetics to match with Reference and Signature models
• Fully balanced differential linestage with increased functionality
• Optional internally retrofittable phono stage, with user adjustable cartridge loading and gain options
• Precision-regulated B+ and B- supplies
• Tube life extender circuit with B+ delay and soft filament ramp on power on
• Balanced design, low-radiation power transformer
• Quiet logic: Microprocessor sleep mode, quiet non-matrixing LED display with latching shift registers

Line Stage: All-tube, with lower gain high current 12AU7 circuit and 12AT7 buffer, minimal negative feedback

• Two balanced /single-ended inputs, five single-ended inputs, one tape in, one balanced out, one single-ended out, one buffered record out
• Soft-touch relay input select
• 117-step chip-based differential volume control, with 3-digit display
• Higher resolution via single higher-resolution attenuator, and software control for balance and offset
• Switchable gain between normal and low gain
• Mono control on front panel
• Fully bi-directional RS-232 control: programmable input offset, any input programmable as pass-through, and input disable, tape monitor and Mono control on front panel
• Two programmable trigger outputs
• Full function aluminium metal remote
• TP-6.5 chassis size with all precision machined aluminium cosmetic

Phono stage: JFET/parallel 12AU7 design from TP-6.5: 66dB gain balanced (23dB MC, 45dB MM)

• Split-pole Passive RIAA with paralleled 12AX7 and 12AT7 gain stage
• MM / MC select via jumper
• MM Gain setting: fixed at 40 dB
• MC Gain settings via jumper: 3 steps of 6dB: 66dB, 60dB, 54dB
• Loading: MM 47k, MC: 100 ohm, 220 ohm, 470 ohm, 1K ohm, 47K ohm
• Enhanced RIAA (selectable via jumper)
• Rumble filter setting via front panel
• Selectable bal/ S/E output via jumper
• Dual-use buttons on front panel for phono-only functions
• MC and MM gain trims

SPECIFICATION

Downloads

Our VTL partners

• Audio Destination

  Suite 7a, Market Walk, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6BL

  01884 243 584

  www.audiodestination.co.uk

  Visit the Audio Destination page

• Audio Therapy

  Newcastle Upon Tyne

  07976 496218

  www.audiotherapyuk.com

  Visit the Audio Therapy page

• Choice HiFi

  Denehurst Gardens, Richmond, Greater London TW10

  020 8392 1959

  www.choicehifi.com

  Visit the Choice HiFi page

• Kronos AV

  Unit 2, Stanbridge Park, Staplefield Lane, Staplefield, RH17 6AS. UK.

  01444 400430

  8-9 Scotch Street Center, Dungannon, Co.Tyrone, BT70 1AR. Northern Ireland. UK.

  0343 523 6169

  www.kronosav.com

  Visit the Kronos AV page