Less is more. That’s the idea behind the new TL-2.5i Performance Preamplifier from VTL. The newest member of the Performance Series possesses the drive and sound qualities of the acclaimed all-tube TL-5.5 Series II Preamplifier, in an attractive cosmetic.
Updated thinking is applied to the new TL-2.5i, with lowered negative feedback and gain adjustment, to fit a wide range of systems. “Our customers have been clamoring for an all-tube preamp that is less costly than the TL-5.5 but has many of the features and much of the sonic performance,” said Luke Manley, President of VTL. “The new TL-2.5i gives up very little in sound or basic features to its bigger brothers, yet is very competitively priced.”
The TL-2.5i employs similar fully shielded power supplies, low-noise microprocessor implementation, and high current/low impedance circuit topology to upper units. These features, combined with a very simple circuit topology and top quality parts, with low negative feedback, yield a sonic result very close to the TL-5.5II, in a classic all-tube single-ended design. Remote operation and processor pass-through functionality enable the new TL-2.5i to integrate into home theater systems.
The new internally retro-fittable phono stage offers full flexibility, with both active JFET/tube and internal transformer MC step-up options, as well as MM, and load and gain setting options, to accommodate a wide range of phono cartridges. “VTL is fully committed to vinyl playback” says Manley, “and we are dedicating our engineering effort to expanding our product offerings in this area.”
US Retail pricing for the new TL-2.5i is $3,000, with the optional phono stage $2,000 additional. “The TL-2.5i joins the ST-85 and ST-150 Amplifiers as another of our more affordable products that offer tremendous value while provide the engineering, luxurious finish, and high standard of musicality of our Signature and flagship Reference products,” said Manley.
Founded in 1981, VTL is a worldwide leader in high quality tubed amplifiers for music reproduction. The company emphasizes progressive technology, low maintenance, and natural-sounding sonics in a wide range of US-made products designed to appeal to true music lovers.
TL2.5i Line Stage specification:
Vacuum Tube Complement 2 x 12AU72, 2 x 12AT7
Total Harmonic Distortion 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.02%
Signal to Noise Ratio 90dB
Maximum Output Voltage 30 V
Gain 8dB or 14dB (user selectable)
Input Impedance 100kΩ
Channel Separation 75dB @ 1kHz
Power Consumption 100 Watts (line) 150 Watts (with phono)
Primary Mains Fuse Rating 100/120V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo, 220/240V = 0.5A Ceramic Slo Blo
Dimensions W x D x H 19 x 15 x 4″ / 48.3 x 38.1 x 10.2 cm
Weight 25 lbs (11.34 kg) packed
TL2.5i Phono Stage MM MC
Vacuum Tube Complement 2 x 12AX7 1 x 12AU7
Gain 37dB 52dB or 58dB (user selectable)
Load 47kΩ, 100kΩ 100Ω, 470Ω, 1kΩ, 5kΩ, 47kΩ
Signal to Noise Ratio 80dB 70dB
