Got the TLC-1 Deluxe Rev. A today which I discovered was also a remote control (RC) version, though the remote control doesn't work after the revision A upgrade. It sounds fantastic - silky smooth, and so detailed it's almost scary. Any lack (or subtlety) in the high end that I noticed after upgrading to the MIT digital cable is now completely gone and detail is amazing from top to bottom. It is most notably smooth throughout, and the volume control (TKD stepped attenuator) sounds great even at really low levels. The smoothness is really a sense of clean accuracy that noticeably reduced harsh, gritty sounding, edges around the notes (that I never really noticed until they disappeared) which makes all the notes, especially high ones, seem really glossy and clear. It also tightened up everything evenly and separation is greatly improved - I seem to be able to hear each instrument, voice, or sound, individually with much greater clarity, even when there are many at once.
It doesn't seem to be as loud as the other TLC-1, but that's no big deal since I never turn it up past 3/4 (which is well above 100db) anyway. It works and appears exactly as advertised so I am pleased, the clear acrylic top is just a really cool bonus. I cleaned off all the rca jacks with de-oxyt since they seemed pretty dirty, and now they're sparkling clean. I'm in audio nirvana again for the time being.
I also got confirmation from Steve McCormack that the other TLC-1 *is* a deluxe model that somehow didn't get the deluxe badge on the front. Steve checked out some pics and confirmed. I also got confirmation about the remote control not being available on the upgraded models, because they are meant for best performance and he hadn't found a remote volume control good enough. He did mention he has found a pure electronic volume control that is remote capable, probably similar or same as the one in his RLD-1, which he could install in the TLC-1 for $400. I'm satisifed with this excellent attenuator though, so no hurry for the remote right now.
Posted by Mike at April 12, 2005 12:24 AM