bracurrie Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Looking at a Apt Holman Preamp. I have gone off the analog deep end with two tapedecks and a Teac AN 180 for Barkly Crocker tapes. Now I need the two tape loops and the effect loop. Seems like $300 should get one. Thoughts? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul79 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 (edited) It is a VERY bitchin preamp. Ahead of its time in most respects, and has a fantastic phono section. Will need recapped to be at its best, and the original opamps can be upgraded. I would stick with the original parts here, but get the low noise version that is available now. Great preamp! Most common issue with them is the power switch flaking out, but it can be replaced. Edited April 13, 2016 by paul79 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Certainly agree with Paul, a very good preamp. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bracurrie Posted April 14, 2016 Author Share Posted April 14, 2016 original opamps can be upgraded Thanks for posting. Would you elaborate a little further on opamps? Not an engineer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T2K Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Thoughts? Yeah, I think your kitty is pretty cool. Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bracurrie Posted April 14, 2016 Author Share Posted April 14, 2016 Thoughts? Yeah, I think your kitty is pretty cool. Keith Thanks! So is yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djk Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 I would describe the APT as uncolored, but lacking in dynamics, lifeless. http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/48419-why-does-apt-holman-preamp-sound-so-good.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllenTacey Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 A Holman is a good find at $300 I do not think things need replacing until something breaks. Without connecting anything other than the amp turn every knob through its entire cycle. My equipment is from 1980 except one of my preamps (current is from 1988-89). No hiss but can heat the place. Some very low level hiss should be present when volume is set to zero but by the time you hear sound background hiss better be zero. My preamp has jfets for .00002 distortion...maybe keep an eye out for a Hafler or Carver preamp? If you become dissatisfied with Thomas Holman? Wow Teac! I am with paul79 on replacement parts but only if you are not satisfied with how Holman currently reproduces. My stuff is old but I will probably go back to taking the top off my furnacemaybe sticking the one amp next to the air conditioning duct. NOT! But I will be running with no lid any reduction in heat is good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted April 16, 2016 Share Posted April 16, 2016 Looking at a Apt Holman Preamp. ................................. Thoughts? Back in "the Day" it was highly praised. Get one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bracurrie Posted April 16, 2016 Author Share Posted April 16, 2016 Thanks all for feedback. Went a totally different direction and bought a Carver C-4000. Because I am playing with R2R tapes I thought the bells and whistles found on this preamp may come in handy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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