I think it boils down to how much gain does the phono preamp has. Without the suffice gain from the phono preamp there will be cases where the sound may be aneamic sounding depending on your power amp input sensitivity
The whest is an absolute gem when in comes to phono preamp. Its natural high gain of 72db really helps alot with the TVC. Friends of mine use this phono preamp with no problems with the TVC even with the Denon 103.
A friend of my uses a Krell power amp with the Zanden Phono preamp and our TVC. He finds that the TVC is slightly low on gain and needs a boost.
Bottom line is comes down to the cartridge output and the phono gain.
Cheers
Nicholas
How are you, Rollo, doing well?
Doing just fine thankyou. Surprised to see you here. I was honored to see all my ideas in your new Ref. double "C" core model. How's business been treating you?
Say hello to your Dad, is he playing some Golf these days? Give your Mom a big Kiss for me.
With reference to the phono a high output MM should have no problem. Low MC require a step up trannie. My active has 52DB gain and the cart. .8mv output, amp .6 input sens. In my case just not enough juice.
Actually my TVC has been totaly redone. The trannies [ modified] are the only remaining piece besides the wood enclosure. Custom attenuators Mapleshade internal wiring, Ebony cradle for trannies, solid copper RCAs, proper wire manangement, shielding and a few other tricks.
I'm having some trannies made up with heavier Ga . wire, Labortory grade Silicon steel, "R" core and double "C" core. The prototypes measured extremley well, exciting times here actually.
My goal was to add the body and weight to the sound similar to the best actives without loosing the clarity and presence of the TVC. So far so good, well above my expectations.
Too bad our business dealings went sour you never know what could have been. Well life goes on. Hope you respond.
cheers
rollo