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Review 1 of 1
Price Paid:
$675.00
from Local Store Summary: I am very much on the fence with this product. First, let me say that Anthem, as a company seems quite good. I have heard mostly raves about their variety of amps and preamp processors.
Therefore, I felt quite confident in my first new gear purchase in a few years. It has a very nice, neutral sound and a LARGE number of features that one wouldn't expect at this price point.
Sadly, that is where the majority of my positive review of the TLP-1 must end. I got my unit home and found that the headphone jack didn't work properly. There was a fairly constant buzzing while listening (any time any bass material made an appearance). I had a few minor issues with the processor used as well, but minor quibbles at this point and not worth complaining about here. So, I returned the unit to my dealer. And to keep this short, I have since had to try and return three additional units, for essentially the same problem(s). Now, one of the quality control managers actually contacted me via the dealer and spoke to me at length about the problems I was having. In addition, they updated the software (which is user updateable via an rs-232 port on the TLP-1), and claimed to have fixed the headphone problem (which, apparently they ALL had, though I was apparently the first to notice it)
The headphone problem hadn't been properly resolved as of the last unit, however...though I feel that it will be shortly.
I also wish the unit had slightly more gain. I like a feeling of "power" with audio equipment, and I don't get that feeling with the TLP-1. However that is not an actual problem with the unit, simply a subjective observation by a rather fussy audio enthusiast ;)
I am currently waiting for my 5th unit. I haven't decided if I will keep it or not at this point. But, in that price point, there aren't a lot of choices, it seems. Strengths: A very reactive company who wants to get it right. A five year warranty. Canadian designed and built. A company who has been around a while and will likely remain around.
A very nice neutral sound, and more features than I can believe at this price point. Classy looking. Weaknesses: The main weakness, is that they seem to be having some real problems getting the unit to work properly. Im confident it will be resolved, but 5 units to get there?
Not enough gain for some tastes (for those who have low efficiency speakers, and/or those who sometimes just like to "crank it tup) Similar Products Used: I have used a number of pre's over the years.... Parasound, HK PT2300, Hafler, Acurus, Aragon, Carver, etc, etc, etc
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