Components Cables Feedback Reviews About Us Contact Component Plus
Components Cables Feedback Reviews About Us Contact Component Plus |
|
| Words of Praise
for Audio Horizons |
The following comment samples were made either directly to us or posted to the Audiogon Audio Horizons Discussion Forum. They are all unsolicited and unremunerated. Every one on them represents a spontaneous outpouring of enthusiasm by an Audio Horizons auditioner or owner. We have organized comments by component and by cable so you can review only those that pertain to your interest, but since some owners purchased multiple products, their praise appears is more than one place. Audio Horizons TP 2.1 Tube Preamplifier "The preamp [TP 2.1nB] was fantastic
right out of the box. . . . By far the most awesome dynamic headroom.
The fastest preamp I've yet encountered. The most well-defined and detailed
at both frequency extremes (a trait normally reserved for only the finest
solid-state preamps). . . . It is simply the most life-like and most musical
preamp I've yet encountered." "After demoing about at least 25 preamps,
ranging from $4000 to $12,000--and I took my amp to some of the tests
myself comparing apples to apples--of the 25 I really listened to in the
last 3 weeks, such as Hovland, Conrad Johnson, Cary, Blue Circle, North
Audio, Bel Canto, Audio Research, Wyeteck, Moon, Classe, Pimare, and many
others, AUDIO HORIZONS [TP 2.1nB] IS IN THE TOP 5 IN SOUND QUALITY,
AND NO. 1 IN BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK." "Not only is the Audio Horizons preamp
[TP 2.1nB] a world class contender, it is such a genuine pleasure
to deal with both Victor and Joseph. I have had a number of excellent
preamps, but the Audio Horizons is one I will be keeping in my system
a long time." "Joseph Chow is a truly gifted engineer,
as is reflected in the quality of his products. I own the TP 2.0 [TP
2.0nB]. It replaced a $16,000 preamp of great reputation, but in my
system the TP 2.0 simply outperformed it. Don't let the modest
price lead you to believe it is not a high end preamp. It is!" "Two things were immediately apparent.
The 2.0 is much, much quieter than the First Sound, and it also
has more apparent gain, which is a good thing in my system. I should also
mention the 2.0's superior channel separation. The 2.0 is
quite impressive 'right out of the box'." "Another characteristic of Joseph's
preamp became evident. That is, there is a startling clarity of the musical
presentation. I found myself paying less and less attention to ascertaining
the 'sonic characteristics' of the 2.0, as I was totally immersed
in the simple joy of listening. Perhaps this is the highest praise I can
give at this point." "Two quick words, and then I simply
must return to listening: soundstage and dynamics. Both are stunning!
The 2.0 is clearly superior to the First Sound Paramount SE (and
the SE currently retails for $16,500, no kidding). In my opinion, this
is a monumental achievement for Joseph. We have got to spread the word
about his craftsmanship." "I have his [Joseph Chow's]
preamp [TP2.0RnB] with all the upgrades and a nice remote volume.
It works great! Just got mine about two weeks ago and love it to death.
It is the finest preamp I have ever heard." "I have owned many preamps in my reference
system. I know a preamp can really make or break a system. It is, in my
estimation, the real heart of a great sound system. Here is a list of great
preamps I have owned:
"It's an awesome Preamp! I've been glued to just sitting and hearing so
much depth, detail and in fact, instruments that I didn't even know were
in play on recordings I am very familiar with! WOW . Thank you! . . .
And yes, feel free to use my comments and Audiogon user name. You really
have created a wonderful musical instrument!" "As I voiced earlier - this is an incredible
preamp - especially for the money. What is really nice is that you and
Joseph are in a word excellent communicators and passionate about
your product(s). Joseph comes across as an individual who really
cares about music and strives to bring joy into the homes of people at
an affordable price." "I wanted to let you know how much
I LOVE your preamp! Your product is already a true CLASSIC. I am amazed
every time I listen to another CD, that I 'thought' I was familiar with,
something new happens! It has the perfect blend of neutrality and tube
sound with natural warmth, a very tough act to follow. I would not want
it any other way." "I got a chance to do some listening
while I was off for the holidays. I absolutely love what I hear. The Audio
Horizons TP 2.0 and Audio Horizons TD 3.0 are
very musical. . . . The Audio Horizons TP 2.0 tube preamp
is a stellar performer. It is quiet, transparent and presents the music
to you in a very smooth, liquid manner. I love this pre-amp." "Why don't you actually put up one
of the 3.0 DACs and 2.0 pre-amps for
sale, with pictures, on Audiogon? This equipment is very high quality
and sounds better than a lot of the highly regarded stuff for sale - and
in this price range, it is going to be awfully hard to beat." "I have tried the 2.0n
with many many different combinations of 6922's [tubes]. IMO this is an
area that you need to publicize more as, depending on the tubes used,
a listener can tune the sound to virtually any flavor that he finds appealing.
It is absolutely amazing how receptive this preamp is to different tube
combinations. . . . " "As you already know, this is a fabulous
preamp with incredible resolution. You were right on the money with your
assessment of what Joseph can do with a signal to noise
ratio. The sound staging is first rate and the recreation of any given
musical performance is almost eerie in its accurate and musical presentation.
. . ." "You and Joseph have
both been fabulous to deal with. It is almost beyond belief to have the
opportunity to audition this unit for a full month with no money up front.
. . . I can't say enough for your customer service as it is more than
just first rate. It is beyond that in every way." "I just returned from Las Vegas where
I attended the 2006 CES and T.H.E. Show. This visit only confirmed my
opinion about the excellence of the Audio Horizons TD 3.0 tube
DAC and the TP 2.0 tube preamplifier. The performance/price
ratio is the best I have heard anywhere. I hope Joseph will bring these
products to the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest next year so that more audiophiles
can hear them." "I first became acquainted with the
tube preamplifier in its production prototype form. Even as a prototype,
it left my VTL 5.5 preamp in the dust. Soundstage, resolution, dynamics
and musicality of the TP 2.0 prototype were much better
than the VTL 5.5, which I sold subsequently. The production model is even
better. Joseph continued to improve parts and layout.
Just to give you a sense of the performance - the production unit [TP
2.0nB] I've used measures better than -115 dBv signal to noise
in both channels." Audio Horizons TP 8.0 Tube Phono Stage "I am no wordsmith but do know what
I am looking for in sonics. IMO, the [Audio Horizons TP] 8.0 [sMCpn]is
the best phono stage that I have used and I have used a number of them
from Audio Research [PH3], CJ [Conrad Johnson PV12], Mod Squad
[phono drive], Curcio Sarah and [other fine phono stages]. The
8.0, even in its beta form, presents a more coherent
complete presentation and that is with what I would call a moderately
priced MC cartridge [the 0.35 mV Benz-Micro L2]." "I have plenty of gain with this cartridge
. . . just as you indicated. I am playing at between 10 and 11 o'clock
and it is plenty loud. The soundstage is incredibly deep and very wide
with great dynamics and air. Bass is there in spades. Musicality is superb.
. . . In the MC mode, the phono stage is much quieter to my ears than
in the MM. . . . I guess that the premium transformers really do their
job here." "One more thing that I forgot to include
is the sense of 'realism' with this setup. There is no phony or artificial
sound reproduction. The sense of authentic instrumentation is definitely
present in all well recorded recordings." "The 8.0 is impressive
and everything that I hoped it would be. It is even more impressive given
the rather moderate price tag and the wealth of options that any given
purchaser can elect to include. It really gives a consumer the ability
to purchase a first class phono stage at a price point that is appropriate
for him or her." Audio Horizons TD 3.0 Tube DAC "I got a chance to do some listening
while I was off for the holidays. I absolutely love what I hear. The Audio
Horizons TP 2.0 and Audio Horizons TD 3.0 are very musical. .
. . The Audio Horizons tube DAC, fed by a decent transport, gives a refined,
spacious, liquid presentation of recorded digital music. Your ears get
the collection of tonal and spatial cues that leaves you within striking
distance of a live performance. The Audio Horizons tube DAC is a giant
killer! "I just returned from Las Vegas where
I attended the 2006 CES and T.H.E. Show. This visit only confirmed my
opinion about the excellence of the Audio Horizons TD 3.0 tube
DAC and the TP 2.0 tube preamplifier. The performance/price ratio
is the best I have heard anywhere. I hope Joseph will
bring these products to the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest next year so that
more audiophiles can hear them. . . . Audio Horizons TB 5.0 Tube Buffer Stage "Wonderful communication, packed perfectly,
awesome product!" "I just wanted to let you know you
how much I am enjoying this unit [the TB 5.0n]. . . even
with limited hours on it. Last night some of that smooth relaxed sound
was starting to come forth. There was improvement in just 24 hours play
time. I use the IsoTek System Enhancer CD to help accelerate things. This
has to be one of the absolute best alternatives to purchasing a tubed
pre (which would easily cost $2,000 up!)" "I have been trying to rebuild my Hometheater
system, so I brought over my Proceed AVP2 for Joseph to mod. He informed
me that since it has mostly surface mount parts there are not too many
parts that can be replaced. However, he suggested trying out his tube
buffer to improve the sound of the AVP2. Audio Horizons Interconnects "Victor and Joseph
possess infinite wisdom in the art of satisfying the consumer, and they
rate an A+ for their caring and patient manner. Joseph's
stunning Dimension speaker cable is a sensational bargain."
"I love the interconnects. Thus far
my listening has revealed your IC's to be world class in bass performance.
I have listened to many cables in my system, some costing up to $1400
per meter, and the Series X are the best in this regard. The instrument
focus is most amazing. The stage clearly delineates each instrument in
front of me. The depth this cable brings to my music is something I have
not yet experienced. Fantastic!" "Congratulations on the excellence
of your premium interconnects. I've used the interconnects for several
months now. Prior to the Audio Horizons [Transparency] interconnects,
I used Synergistic Research Resolution Reference X2 interconnects and,
before that, various MIT interconnects. The Audio Horizons
delivers a purer sound, without coloration or edginess. Cables make a
difference. I've listened to some of the most highly regarded interconnects
and heard the improvement in my system. I found Audio Horizons
Trasnparency to be the best." "I have had a chance now to get a real
handle on the premium power cords and interconnects. Let me come right
to the point, both products are outstanding. As you know, my first experience
with Joseph's cables was the premium power cord. I had
purchased one as part of the upgrade package for my vintage Kenwood L-01T
tuner. I thought that both the upgraded tuner itself and the power cord
were outstanding sonically. . . . It offers superior performance at a
real world price. I had a similar experience with Joseph's
interconnect. I compared it with . . . [My very expensive] interconnects
in my system. In absolute terms, I found the [expensive] . . . cables
to be a touch more refined. But at [several thousand dollars] . . . per
meter pair versus $195 for Joseph's , I could not justify the extra expense.
In a blind listening test, I'm not sure I could easily distinguish between
the two. I plan to sell the [X] . . . interconnects and purchase Joseph's
for my entire system. In short, Joseph's cables are a
serious attack on the state of the art, and all at real world prices.
With his home trial program, there is absolutely no good reason not to
give them a listen. Potential customers can get the fine sound they seek
and save a lot of their hard earned money in the process." "I love the interconnects. Thus far
my listening has revealed your IC's to be world class in bass performance.
I have listened to many cables in my system, some costing up to $1400
per meter, and the Series X [now replaced by the Transparency] are the
best in this regard. The instrument focus is most amazing. The stage clearly
delineates each instrument in front of me. The depth this cable brings
to my music is something I have not yet experienced. Fantastic!" Audio Horizons Power Cords " Once again, I'd like to thank you
for the opportunity to audition your Transparency Power Cord. It has truly
been an ear-opening experience. I was fairly certain that it would be
good, but I had no idea it would be THIS good. It totally tranforms my
CDP...or my phono stage...or my preamp . . . or my amp. . . "I have had a chance now to get a real
handle on the premium power cords and interconnects. Let me come right
to the point, both products are outstanding. As you know, my first experience
with Joseph's cables was the premium power cord. I had
purchased one as part of the upgrade package for my vintage Kenwood L-01T
tuner. I thought that both the upgraded tuner itself and the power cord
were outstanding sonically. . . . It offers superior performance at a
real world price. I had a similar experience with Joseph's
interconnect. I compared it with . . . [My very expensive] interconnects
in my system. In absolute terms, I found the [expensive] . . . cables
to be a touch more refined. But at [several thousand dollars] . . . per
meter pair versus $195 for Joseph's , I could not justify the extra expense.
In a blind listening test, I'm not sure I could easily distinguish between
the two. I plan to sell the [X] . . . interconnects and purchase Joseph's
for my entire system. In short, Joseph's cables are a
serious attack on the state of the art, and all at real world prices.
With his home trial program, there is absolutely no good reason not to
give them a listen. Potential customers can get the fine sound they seek
and save a lot of their hard earned money in the process." "The Transparecy power cord
holds it's own with some of the best for a lot less money. Such a bargain.
Thanks for the R&D!!!!!!!" "After 20 hours, the improvement was
so pleasing I bought more of the power cords for my other components (transport,
DAC, line preamp, phono preamp). The improvements spanned the entire audio
frequency range: tighter, more controlled, and punchier bass; detailed,
clear and delicate mid/hi frequencies. The construction quality of these
power cords is impressive, too." "I was amazed at the improvement to
the Mark Levinson ML380S after I put in your right angle power cord. The
sound opened up and seem to become smoother and more refined. Bass became
tighter and more punchy. The power cord certainly enhanced the positive
effects of the preamp upgrades." Audio Horizons Speaker Cable "Victor and Joseph
possess infinite wisdom in the art of satisfying the consumer, and they
rate an A+ for their caring and patient manner. Joseph's
stunning Dimension speaker cable is a sensational bargain."
|
|
| Owners who would like to add their comments may do so by writing to audiohorizons@yahoo.com |