VTL TL-5.5 Series II

Series II - PRICE $9,999.00

VTL P5.5 Phono Stage $1,999.00 (Optional Extra)

Since its introduction in 1997, the TL-5.5 has earned a reputation for outstanding performance at an economical price. Now, VTL has significantly upgraded this preamp, using many of the technological innovations derived from the flagship TL-7.5 preamplifier. The result is a modern full-featured preamplifier that outperforms in every way, making it one of the top values of any tube preamplifier in its category.

The fundamental qualities that made the original TL-5.5 special—its all-tube design, the optional retrofittable Phono Stage, and its superb sonic characteristics—are unchanged. What's new is the application of advanced audio technology sourced from VTL's TL-7.5 Reference and TL-6.5 Signature preamplifiers. This technology uses a simple circuit topology with low negative feedback and a high current/low impedance output stage in a low-noise microprocessor-based design. Top quality parts, fully balanced operation, and precision-regulated and shielded power supplies yield a full yet neutral sound with high resolution, transparency, speed and powerful dynamics.

Much of the engineering prowess inherent in these world-class preamps has been transferred to the new TL5.5. New fully regulated power supplies are similar to those of its bigger siblings and the unit is now fully balanced, for inputs as well as outputs. Similarly, VTL's latest thinking from our new and acclaimed TP-6.5 Signature Phono Stage is now applied to the optional MC phono stage, which can be easily retrofitted internally. It offers 68dB of gain and a balanced output, with a JFET/12AU7 high current MC stage (or high-grade stepup transformer), split-pole passive RIAA stage with a dual 12AX7 MM stage for maximum headroom voltage swing. Triple-precision power supply regulation and full gain and load setting with RIAA enhanced and rumble cut functions translate to a clean and quiet yet dynamic sound that brings vinyl to life!

VTL has delivered on its goal of bringing advanced engineering and modern functionality to the new TL-5.5 Series II preamplifier. With the same highly intuitive user interface of the renowned TL-7.5 and 6.5, and a full-function remote, the new TL-5.5 is a pleasure to use. A rigid, well-shielded chassis yields quiet operation while bi-directional RS-232 serial interface allows for seamless integration into any audio system. A luxurious cosmetic makeover includes a sleek and visually striking precision-milled faceplate similar to those used on its much more expensive brethren. For a well-priced, high-performance all-tube preamplifier, the TL-5.5 is a truly fine addition to any system.

Feature list of the TL5.5 Series II Signature Preamplifier:

Almost half the price of the TL-6.5 Signature Preamplifier

Luxurious cosmetics to match with Reference and Signature models

Fully balanced differential Line Stage with increased functionality

Optional internally retrofittable Phono Stage, with user adjustable cartridge loading and gain options

Precision-regulated B+ and B- supplies

Tube life extender circuit with B+ delay and soft filament ramp on power on

Balanced design, low-radiation power transformer

Quiet logic: Microprocessor sleep mode, quiet non-matrixing LED display with latching shift registers

Line Stage: All-tube, with lower gain high current 12AU7 circuit and 12AT7 buffer, minimal negative feedback

Two balanced /single-ended inputs, five single-ended inputs, one tape in, one balanced out, one single-ended out, one buffered record out

Soft-touch relay input select

117-step chip-based differential volume control, with 3-digit display

Higher resolution via single higher-resolution attenuator, and software control for balance and offset

Switchable gain between normal and low gain

Mono control on front panel

Fully bi-directional RS-232 control: programmable input offset, any input programmable as pass-through, and input disable, tape monitor and Mono control on front panel

Two programmable trigger outputs

Full function aluminum metal remote

TP-6.5 chassis size with all precision machined aluminum cosmetic

VTL Introduces New TL-5.5 Series II Signature Preamplifier

Unit is a trickle-down Version of the Award-Winning TL-7.5 and TL-6.5, with Next-Generation thinking applied to the all-tube 5.5

HONG KONG — August 7, 2009 — Less is more. That’s the idea behind the new TL-5.5 Series II Signature Preamplifier from VTL. The newest member of the Signature Series possesses the drive and functionality of the acclaimed TL-7.5 and TL-6.5 Preamplifiers, but also the "soul" of VTL’s previous top of the line, the all-tube TL-5.5.

Next Generation thinking is applied to the new TL-5.5, and precision-regulated supplies and balanced inputs are added, with all functions now fully software controlled, as per the 7.5 and 6.5. "Customers have been clamoring for quite some time for an all-tube preamp that is less costly than the 6.5 but has all of the functionality," said Luke Manley, President of VTL. "The new TL-5.5 has the family sound of its bigger brothers, yet is priced significantly lower."

The TL-5.5 Series II employs the same fully regulated and shielded power supplies, low-noise microprocessor design, and high current/low impedance circuit topology as the two top models. These features, combined with fully balanced operation, top quality parts, and a simple circuit topology with low negative feedback yield a sonic result very close to the TL-6.5, in an all-tube package. Remote operation and true RS-232 bi-directionality enable the new TL-5.5 to integrate easily into modern home theatre systems.

"The TL-5.5 joins the MB-450 and MB-185 Signature Amplifiers as an example of more affordable products we are introducing that lower cost yet still provide the engineering, luxurious finish, and high standard of musicality of our flagship Reference products," said Manley.

Founded in 1987, 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 products designed to appeal to music lovers.

Vacuum Tube Complement: 2 x 12AU7, 4 x 12AT7 (line stage)
2 x 12X7, 2 x 12AX7 (Phono MM), 2 x 12AU7 (Phono MC)

Inputs: 2 pair balanced/XLR or RCA single-ended
6 pairs single-ended/RCA

Outputs: 1 pair balanced out
1 pair single-ended RCA out
1 pair single-ended RCA buffered Record Out

Remote control functions: Power
Source Select
Volume up/down
Mute
Fade
Balance Control
Phase Reverse

Gain Normal Gain --11 dB single ended, 17dB balanced
Switchable to Low Gain – 6 dB SE,11 dB balanced
Phono MM – 40dB
Phono MC -- Selectable 54dB, 60dB, 66dB

Output Impedance: 150 Ohms (Max400 ohms at 10Hz)

Input Impedance : 35K Ohms

Frequency response
+ 0 - 1 dB: 1 Hz - 200 KHz + 0 - 1dB

Maximum Output Voltage < 1% THD: 30 Volts 10Hz – 200kHz, 1.75V into 600 ohms at 1%THD

Channel Separation: > 100 dB @ 1KHz (>80 dB @ 20kHz)

Power Consumption: 60 Watts (Line Stage)
130 Watts (with Phono stage)

Weight and Dimensions: 40 lbs (18.12 Kg) Fully packed in one box
Unpacked weight: 30 lbs (13.6 Kg)