Apt Holman One 1 Vintage Stereo Preamp Review Written By Beams Havesel69 terça-feira, 19 de abril de 2022 Add Comment Edit Hello, A few weeks back I started a thread inquiring well-nigh NAD preamps, trying to observe out which was the best of the lot and once that was concluded, which integrated amps and receivers contain these preamps. In the finish, I had decided to look for an 1130 or a 1200, or any of the integrated amps or receivers that incorporate these preamps (3400, 1700, etc.). Anyhow, I found a semi-local store selling an 1130 for $135 this weekend as I was browsing around on the internet. Called them up Tuesday to inquire about information technology, and the shop owner talked at me (I stress at, non to) for, I kid yous not, forty minutes about what is and is not a skillful turntable, cartridge, preamp, power amp, CD player, EQ, etc. I seriously asked well-nigh the 1130 and the guy went on a dissertation for 40 minutes about everything, with me saying "OK" and "uh huh" in betwixt every 6 or vii minutes. His mental attitude and tone were very "X, Y, and Z are crap, while A, B, and C are the greatest things e'er." The only skilful matter nigh this conversation (if y'all can call it that) was that he was very anti audiophile-just-for-the-sake-of-being-audiophile, so while praising some high terminate gear he too recommended a lot of under $500 new gear that in his mind bested the $2000+ new gear. Anyhow, it turns out that he was a line director for Apt Holman back in the day (which I was able to verify every bit truth) and he was really pushing the Apt Holman stuff over the NAD. Although he did say that the NAD was a "good little preamp," he claimed that for it to perform close to how the Apt Holman does would require a series of mods that would make the NAD a more expensive investment in the end (and he claimed that the mods would only bring the NAD "shut," non "equal" to the Apt). He claimed that the Apt Holman'southward phono stage was superior and that the NADs tended to have noticeable crosstalk between components, while the Apt Holman did non. He too said that contrary to many, if not nigh, other preamps (including the NAD), the Apt Holman used circuitry that enabled it to add together zero coloration to the sound while in tone defeat mode, thereby enabling the user to go the closest to hearing the recording exactly how information technology was intended to exist while the preamp is in tone defeat fashion. He said they did this to let the listener a blank slate tone-wise to work with, and then the listener could either listen in tone defeat mode or boost bass, mid, and treble with an EQ if they so desired. The theory was: "The pre should not add anything to how the recording sounds unless the user wants to manipulate the tone." Anyhow, does anyone accept any feel with Apt Holman preamps or accept any insight as to how they compare to the NADs? Is the shop owner completely biased or yanking my chain, or is what he is maxim truthful to either some (in other words, he's partly right) or to a large caste (in other words, he'southward totally right)? If he is being truthful, are the Apt Holman'south light years better than the NAD as he was claiming, or are they simply a little ameliorate? Any insight you can provide would be great. Cheers. Please annals to disable this ad. I owned 1 briefly. To be honest, I found it at a austerity store and flipped information technology almost immediately as I needed some cash. Nevertheless, I did clean it and run it in my system for a couple of days. I tin can tell you that it was very well made- much improve than almost NAD gear I've seen. But I think (tin't call up for sure) that I sold information technology on ebay for quite a flake more than y'all could buy an NAD for. I remenber being shocked at how much I got for information technology. It was very squeamish, but I didn't run it long enough to say a lot more than that. The Phono section was outstanding. THey were wonderful; famed for their phono sections. I'd dear to have one. Tomlinson Holman, of grade, went on to "THX". Yep I know Vince well... The Apt is a adept preamp but there are many others just equally nice. Last edited: Apr 10, 2009 I have ane, merely it'due south the merely preamp I've owned. I similar it fine. It's hooked upward to a Carver M1.5T and as well diverse Crown amps (it has ii outputs) and information technology's so much nicer sounding than the big Sansui receiver that it replaced that it's non even a contest. They practice seem to demand to be serviced periodically, but mine has been and the repair ticket was the reason I bought this particular one. As for the phono section, I can honestly say I've listened to a lot more vinyl since I've had information technology hooked up than I have in years. In its defense, I know the Sansui could employ a good going through as well, but I'll not be going back that way. Practice a search here and Google, there are enough of opinions about them either way. I similar mine, only that'due south not to say I might non like something else ameliorate if I tried information technology. Please register to disable this advertizing. Thanks for the replies everyone. I gauge from this initial set of responses, the guy was not completely bullsh***ing me. I notice that a few folks said the Apt was congenital better than the NAD. Practice folks think information technology sounds a whole lot better as well? I've been especially zeroing in on the NAD 1300, which seems to go for around $125-150 on the used market. Every bit a point of comparing, the shop possessor said that when he gets an Apt Holman in, he cleans and slightly mods/upgrades it (apparently, he's however in contact with Tom Holman and these updates are approved past the latter) and sells it back for around $400-450. According to him, to purchase a used NAD for marketplace price ($125-$150) and then have information technology modified/upgraded to come "close" to the Apt Holman will be fifty-fifty more money than what he sells the Holman for. Working with a tight upkeep, I've been looking for an NAD 1130 or 1300, since reviews seem to indicate that they are really proficient preamps for the cost and that their phono sections tin compete with much more expensive audiophile stuff (and the phono section is what I'm most concerned with since I play mostly vinyl). So I guess I'm merely wondering if the Holman does actually sound so much improve than the NAD, justifying the price that is 3 times every bit high as the NAD. I know NAD stuff wasn't built as solidly every bit others and usually needs servicing, so that is a concern. Although I do note Jeffery's signal that the Apt Holman itself tends to crave periodic servicing. I've read upwards on the Holman a bit more than from doing a google search and checking out discussions nearly it on other sites. Seems like a lot of folks similar it, peculiarly its neutrality. Withal, information technology seems like two consistent criticisms of the Holman are of its resolution and imaging abilities. Tin can others here vouch for this? Or, on the other manus, do you retrieve its imaging and resolution are good? lumpy: What other preamps did you lot accept in listen that you retrieve are just every bit overnice as the Holman (and importantly for me: can be had for the aforementioned toll or less than the Holman)? In addition to the NAD, some folks have recommended the Kenwood C-2 to me for its phono section. Although I'chiliad a little gun-shy on Kenwood since I just moved a bunch of Kenwood stuff out of my arrangement that I thought sounded crappy (although granted, I've never heard the C-2). I also ever look for and hold out hope of finding an inexpensive top Yamaha preamp like the CX-1000 or C-2x (I have the MX-m power amp that matches the CX-g) on the used market place, but that'south a long shot. Terminal edited: Apr 10, 2009 Back in 1983 or so, I walked into Bryn Mawr Stereo in Moorestown, NJ with the full intent of buying an Apt Holman, which they sold there. After an hour of listening, I listened to the Hafler 101 for a while and left with the Hafler, saving most $200 in the process. I used to go to that aforementioned store. They tried to steer me towards everything Yamaha. I've had an APT Holman preamp for years and it is splendid. It is the preamp I use in my Half-Ass, 2 Channel, HT Rig. You may non like a very uncolored preamp steelglam. The Apt a good example and and then is the NAD 1300. Preamps that are uncolored don't sound warm or lush or have any feature audio at all. Many audiophiles find them boring. If you are looking for a particular sound become to a tube preamp. A Dyna pas is an case of such a preamp. I run a very apparently vanilla Onkyo preamp. It is admittedly uncolored. The Hafler DH-110 is a superb uncolored preamp that goes for chump change. The Adcom GFP -565 is another superb performer. Please register to disable this advert. Thanks for the suggestions. I judge I haven't washed an A/B comparing between an uncolored preamp and ane with a distinct sound to compare. Am I correct in assuming that you lot tin can add together an EQ to an uncolored preamp if you lot desire to add warmth or effulgence or whatever? General question on this stuff: Is the benefit that people see in uncolored/neutral preamps that you can have the best of both worlds by having the option to either run it neutral and get a apartment response or add in an EQ to boost the bass, treble, mids, etc.? Equally opposed to a preamp with a distinct sound, which is difficult to "neutralize" if you then desire? lumpy: Which Onkyo preamp do you have? My Onkyo is a P-3200. Information technology drives a Dynaco ST-410. My current speakers are vintage Ar-ix speakers. You tin can equalize the bass and treble but you can't make it sound muddy or slightly distorted like a euphonic preamp. Yous Will Probably Like It - Ask Him For a Demo You must have talked to Vince. He is relentless but he is not wrong. In a way, he is settling a blueprint argument with his former employer with his updated Apt Holman pre-amps. I bought i and it does pull stuff out of the vinyl that was non in that location (with a very good phono pre on a finely preserved Sansui receiver.) The Apt Holman pre you volition buy from Vince will be an enhanced piece of equipment that reflects Vince'due south experience, prejudices, pet pattern theories and, no doubt, discursive conversations with his colleagues when he worked at Apt in Cambridge. Tell him to set 1 upwardly to demo for yous and bear witness the signal and see if you lot share his prejudices. Mine works well with the Nikko Blastoff 2 which has a large bottom. Mostly neutral but when the cellos, double bass and tympani kicking in, I'one thousand in my section once more, hearing the music and feeling it through my spine. Please annals to disable this advertising. Vince is a legend in his ain mind. Some of his ideas are correct some are fleck looney. Well it sounds similar you are definitely looking at some pretty good preamps. Both the Apt Holman and NAD are fantabulous products, simply if you have a take chances give a Kenwood Basic C2 preamp a listen. I recall you lot'll exist very pleasantly surprised! I bought one terminal yr to pull together a second system from my extra gear and accept been very very impressed with it. The phono stage is wonderful, with user-selectable cartridge settings and it is MC capable. I have very happily used it with my AR/Shure V15 mk.V combination and only recently swapped in my Linn LP-12/Benz Micro Gilt combination to requite the Benz one terminal effort before I replaced it. Permit's just say the Benz isn't going anywhere now! The all-time function about it is that it only set me back $125. And judging from the postings I've read here on AK since I bought information technology, y'all should be able to find one now at about $100 or less. Just a thought! Both the NAD and Apt Holman are fine preamps that you would probably exist very happy with, but the Kenwood is something pretty special for next to aught, especially if you lot similar vinyl. Enjoy! No doubt the Kenwood C2 is some other excellent choice. Keep in heed that NAD licensed their phono preamp blueprint from Holman, which explain why some people can't quite decide between the two Please register to disable this advertisement. No kiddin?! I didn't konw that. I've never owned an NAD pre only heard several people say they were very skilful. Well, I judge if I ever came across a inexpensive copy of the Kenwood C-two, I might requite it a mind since folks seem to like it. Exercise yous know if information technology has tone defeat/bypass capabilities? From pics I've seen, information technology doesn't look and so, but I'm not 100% certain. As for Vince, yes that is who I talked to well-nigh the Holman vs. NAD. I forgot to mention that he also spent 10 minutes telling me that all passive radiator speaker designs are crap and that he recommends bringing any speaker with such a design into his shop then that he tin can modify it past replacing the radiator with a real woofer and driver. It was actually kind of a funny substitution considering I told him that I demoed three power amps--an Adcom GFA-555 vs. a Bryston 3B vs. a Yamaha MX-1000--while using a pair of Polk RTA-12a'southward, and that I thought the Adcom performed the worst of the three (which is why I've stuck with the Bryston and Yamaha), peculiarly in the mid- and loftier-range. He responded by saying "yep, the Adcom is admittedly the thinnest of those three power amps" but then he spent the rest of the x minutes telling me how the Bryston is inferior and how the Polk speakers were the reason why I thought the Adcom projected less clarity than the Bryston and Yamaha. I was confused because he outset admitted that the Adcom was definitely the thinnest of the iii regardless of what speakers they were matched with, and then he spent the remainder of the time telling me why the Polk speakers were the actual reason that I perceived that the Adcom was the thinnest of the 3 and that I perceived the Bryston to be ameliorate than the Adcom. ??? Not trying to hijack the thread here. I recently bought a Holman preamp from Craigslist. Of course it didn't come up with an owner'south manual and of course I'chiliad an idiot (though not as dumb as the guy who sold it to me for $50), but I have no idea what some of these switches do. I've found some links to "manuals" online but they seem to be service manuals rather than owner's manuals. Whatever help is profoundly appreciated! Share This Page raytherceng91.blogspot.com Source: https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/apt-holman-preamp.222698/ Share this post
Hello, A few weeks back I started a thread inquiring well-nigh NAD preamps, trying to observe out which was the best of the lot and once that was concluded, which integrated amps and receivers contain these preamps. In the finish, I had decided to look for an 1130 or a 1200, or any of the integrated amps or receivers that incorporate these preamps (3400, 1700, etc.). Anyhow, I found a semi-local store selling an 1130 for $135 this weekend as I was browsing around on the internet. Called them up Tuesday to inquire about information technology, and the shop owner talked at me (I stress at, non to) for, I kid yous not, forty minutes about what is and is not a skillful turntable, cartridge, preamp, power amp, CD player, EQ, etc. I seriously asked well-nigh the 1130 and the guy went on a dissertation for 40 minutes about everything, with me saying "OK" and "uh huh" in betwixt every 6 or vii minutes. His mental attitude and tone were very "X, Y, and Z are crap, while A, B, and C are the greatest things e'er." The only skilful matter nigh this conversation (if y'all can call it that) was that he was very anti audiophile-just-for-the-sake-of-being-audiophile, so while praising some high terminate gear he too recommended a lot of under $500 new gear that in his mind bested the $2000+ new gear. Anyhow, it turns out that he was a line director for Apt Holman back in the day (which I was able to verify every bit truth) and he was really pushing the Apt Holman stuff over the NAD. Although he did say that the NAD was a "good little preamp," he claimed that for it to perform close to how the Apt Holman does would require a series of mods that would make the NAD a more expensive investment in the end (and he claimed that the mods would only bring the NAD "shut," non "equal" to the Apt). He claimed that the Apt Holman'southward phono stage was superior and that the NADs tended to have noticeable crosstalk between components, while the Apt Holman did non. He too said that contrary to many, if not nigh, other preamps (including the NAD), the Apt Holman used circuitry that enabled it to add together zero coloration to the sound while in tone defeat mode, thereby enabling the user to go the closest to hearing the recording exactly how information technology was intended to exist while the preamp is in tone defeat fashion. He said they did this to let the listener a blank slate tone-wise to work with, and then the listener could either listen in tone defeat mode or boost bass, mid, and treble with an EQ if they so desired. The theory was: "The pre should not add anything to how the recording sounds unless the user wants to manipulate the tone." Anyhow, does anyone accept any feel with Apt Holman preamps or accept any insight as to how they compare to the NADs? Is the shop owner completely biased or yanking my chain, or is what he is maxim truthful to either some (in other words, he's partly right) or to a large caste (in other words, he'southward totally right)? If he is being truthful, are the Apt Holman'south light years better than the NAD as he was claiming, or are they simply a little ameliorate? Any insight you can provide would be great. Cheers.
I owned 1 briefly. To be honest, I found it at a austerity store and flipped information technology almost immediately as I needed some cash. Nevertheless, I did clean it and run it in my system for a couple of days. I tin can tell you that it was very well made- much improve than almost NAD gear I've seen. But I think (tin't call up for sure) that I sold information technology on ebay for quite a flake more than y'all could buy an NAD for. I remenber being shocked at how much I got for information technology. It was very squeamish, but I didn't run it long enough to say a lot more than that. The Phono section was outstanding.
THey were wonderful; famed for their phono sections. I'd dear to have one. Tomlinson Holman, of grade, went on to "THX".
I have ane, merely it'due south the merely preamp I've owned. I similar it fine. It's hooked upward to a Carver M1.5T and as well diverse Crown amps (it has ii outputs) and information technology's so much nicer sounding than the big Sansui receiver that it replaced that it's non even a contest. They practice seem to demand to be serviced periodically, but mine has been and the repair ticket was the reason I bought this particular one. As for the phono section, I can honestly say I've listened to a lot more vinyl since I've had information technology hooked up than I have in years. In its defense, I know the Sansui could employ a good going through as well, but I'll not be going back that way. Practice a search here and Google, there are enough of opinions about them either way. I similar mine, only that'due south not to say I might non like something else ameliorate if I tried information technology.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I gauge from this initial set of responses, the guy was not completely bullsh***ing me. I notice that a few folks said the Apt was congenital better than the NAD. Practice folks think information technology sounds a whole lot better as well? I've been especially zeroing in on the NAD 1300, which seems to go for around $125-150 on the used market. Every bit a point of comparing, the shop possessor said that when he gets an Apt Holman in, he cleans and slightly mods/upgrades it (apparently, he's however in contact with Tom Holman and these updates are approved past the latter) and sells it back for around $400-450. According to him, to purchase a used NAD for marketplace price ($125-$150) and then have information technology modified/upgraded to come "close" to the Apt Holman will be fifty-fifty more money than what he sells the Holman for. Working with a tight upkeep, I've been looking for an NAD 1130 or 1300, since reviews seem to indicate that they are really proficient preamps for the cost and that their phono sections tin compete with much more expensive audiophile stuff (and the phono section is what I'm most concerned with since I play mostly vinyl). So I guess I'm merely wondering if the Holman does actually sound so much improve than the NAD, justifying the price that is 3 times every bit high as the NAD. I know NAD stuff wasn't built as solidly every bit others and usually needs servicing, so that is a concern. Although I do note Jeffery's signal that the Apt Holman itself tends to crave periodic servicing. I've read upwards on the Holman a bit more than from doing a google search and checking out discussions nearly it on other sites. Seems like a lot of folks similar it, peculiarly its neutrality. Withal, information technology seems like two consistent criticisms of the Holman are of its resolution and imaging abilities. Tin can others here vouch for this? Or, on the other manus, do you retrieve its imaging and resolution are good? lumpy: What other preamps did you lot accept in listen that you retrieve are just every bit overnice as the Holman (and importantly for me: can be had for the aforementioned toll or less than the Holman)? In addition to the NAD, some folks have recommended the Kenwood C-2 to me for its phono section. Although I'chiliad a little gun-shy on Kenwood since I just moved a bunch of Kenwood stuff out of my arrangement that I thought sounded crappy (although granted, I've never heard the C-2). I also ever look for and hold out hope of finding an inexpensive top Yamaha preamp like the CX-1000 or C-2x (I have the MX-m power amp that matches the CX-g) on the used market place, but that'south a long shot.
Back in 1983 or so, I walked into Bryn Mawr Stereo in Moorestown, NJ with the full intent of buying an Apt Holman, which they sold there. After an hour of listening, I listened to the Hafler 101 for a while and left with the Hafler, saving most $200 in the process.
I used to go to that aforementioned store. They tried to steer me towards everything Yamaha. I've had an APT Holman preamp for years and it is splendid. It is the preamp I use in my Half-Ass, 2 Channel, HT Rig.
You may non like a very uncolored preamp steelglam. The Apt a good example and and then is the NAD 1300. Preamps that are uncolored don't sound warm or lush or have any feature audio at all. Many audiophiles find them boring. If you are looking for a particular sound become to a tube preamp. A Dyna pas is an case of such a preamp. I run a very apparently vanilla Onkyo preamp. It is admittedly uncolored. The Hafler DH-110 is a superb uncolored preamp that goes for chump change. The Adcom GFP -565 is another superb performer.
Thanks for the suggestions. I judge I haven't washed an A/B comparing between an uncolored preamp and ane with a distinct sound to compare. Am I correct in assuming that you lot tin can add together an EQ to an uncolored preamp if you lot desire to add warmth or effulgence or whatever? General question on this stuff: Is the benefit that people see in uncolored/neutral preamps that you can have the best of both worlds by having the option to either run it neutral and get a apartment response or add in an EQ to boost the bass, treble, mids, etc.? Equally opposed to a preamp with a distinct sound, which is difficult to "neutralize" if you then desire? lumpy: Which Onkyo preamp do you have?
My Onkyo is a P-3200. Information technology drives a Dynaco ST-410. My current speakers are vintage Ar-ix speakers. You tin can equalize the bass and treble but you can't make it sound muddy or slightly distorted like a euphonic preamp.
Yous Will Probably Like It - Ask Him For a Demo You must have talked to Vince. He is relentless but he is not wrong. In a way, he is settling a blueprint argument with his former employer with his updated Apt Holman pre-amps. I bought i and it does pull stuff out of the vinyl that was non in that location (with a very good phono pre on a finely preserved Sansui receiver.) The Apt Holman pre you volition buy from Vince will be an enhanced piece of equipment that reflects Vince'due south experience, prejudices, pet pattern theories and, no doubt, discursive conversations with his colleagues when he worked at Apt in Cambridge. Tell him to set 1 upwardly to demo for yous and bear witness the signal and see if you lot share his prejudices. Mine works well with the Nikko Blastoff 2 which has a large bottom. Mostly neutral but when the cellos, double bass and tympani kicking in, I'one thousand in my section once more, hearing the music and feeling it through my spine.
Well it sounds similar you are definitely looking at some pretty good preamps. Both the Apt Holman and NAD are fantabulous products, simply if you have a take chances give a Kenwood Basic C2 preamp a listen. I recall you lot'll exist very pleasantly surprised! I bought one terminal yr to pull together a second system from my extra gear and accept been very very impressed with it. The phono stage is wonderful, with user-selectable cartridge settings and it is MC capable. I have very happily used it with my AR/Shure V15 mk.V combination and only recently swapped in my Linn LP-12/Benz Micro Gilt combination to requite the Benz one terminal effort before I replaced it. Permit's just say the Benz isn't going anywhere now! The all-time function about it is that it only set me back $125. And judging from the postings I've read here on AK since I bought information technology, y'all should be able to find one now at about $100 or less. Just a thought! Both the NAD and Apt Holman are fine preamps that you would probably exist very happy with, but the Kenwood is something pretty special for next to aught, especially if you lot similar vinyl. Enjoy!
Keep in heed that NAD licensed their phono preamp blueprint from Holman, which explain why some people can't quite decide between the two
No kiddin?! I didn't konw that. I've never owned an NAD pre only heard several people say they were very skilful.
Well, I judge if I ever came across a inexpensive copy of the Kenwood C-two, I might requite it a mind since folks seem to like it. Exercise yous know if information technology has tone defeat/bypass capabilities? From pics I've seen, information technology doesn't look and so, but I'm not 100% certain. As for Vince, yes that is who I talked to well-nigh the Holman vs. NAD. I forgot to mention that he also spent 10 minutes telling me that all passive radiator speaker designs are crap and that he recommends bringing any speaker with such a design into his shop then that he tin can modify it past replacing the radiator with a real woofer and driver. It was actually kind of a funny substitution considering I told him that I demoed three power amps--an Adcom GFA-555 vs. a Bryston 3B vs. a Yamaha MX-1000--while using a pair of Polk RTA-12a'southward, and that I thought the Adcom performed the worst of the three (which is why I've stuck with the Bryston and Yamaha), peculiarly in the mid- and loftier-range. He responded by saying "yep, the Adcom is admittedly the thinnest of those three power amps" but then he spent the rest of the x minutes telling me how the Bryston is inferior and how the Polk speakers were the reason why I thought the Adcom projected less clarity than the Bryston and Yamaha. I was confused because he outset admitted that the Adcom was definitely the thinnest of the iii regardless of what speakers they were matched with, and then he spent the remainder of the time telling me why the Polk speakers were the actual reason that I perceived that the Adcom was the thinnest of the 3 and that I perceived the Bryston to be ameliorate than the Adcom. ???
Not trying to hijack the thread here. I recently bought a Holman preamp from Craigslist. Of course it didn't come up with an owner'south manual and of course I'chiliad an idiot (though not as dumb as the guy who sold it to me for $50), but I have no idea what some of these switches do. I've found some links to "manuals" online but they seem to be service manuals rather than owner's manuals. Whatever help is profoundly appreciated!
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