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VTL TL5.5 Series II Preamplifier - As Traded
Condition: Used. Very good, couple of chip to chassis (See photos)
Includes: Original Box, Remote, Power Cable
SN: 13049255
Warranty: 90 days (3 months)
Overview
Fully balanced operation with a simple circuit topology that allows low negative feedback, and a high current/low impedance output stage.
High voltage, precision-regulated, power supplies to provide stable operating conditions for each gain stage and are carefully isolated from the audio circuitry.
Signal control is handled by a precision relay-switched volume system.
Fully balanced differential linestage with increased functionality
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
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 aluminium metal remote
TP-6.5 chassis size with all precision machined aluminium cosmetic
Specification
Vacuum Tube Complement 2 x 12AU7, 4 x 12AT7 (line stage)
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 -11dB single ended, 17dB balanced; Switchable to Low Gain – 6dB SE, 11dB balanced
Output impedance 150Ω, Max 400Ω @ 10Hz
Input impedance 35kΩ
Frequency Response 1Hz – 200kHz, +0 -1dB
Maximum Output Voltage 100dB @ 1kHz (>80dB @ 20kHz)
Power consuption 60W line stage
Dimensions W x D x H 44.45 x 44.45 x 12.06 cm
Weight 13.6Kg
AUDIO CONNECTION QUALITY GUARANTEE
✔️Comprehensive three month warranty on Trade In's*
✔️Passed our checks for functionality
✔️A full inspection noting for any defects
✔️A full completeness check for all included parts and accessories
Generating expert take…
Vacuum Tube Logic (VTL) traces its roots to the early 1980s, when recording engineer David Manley began designing high-fidelity vacuum tube amplifiers in South Africa, initially modifying Leak units. By 1983, the brand launched its first power amplifiers and preamplifiers under Vacuum Tube Logic in the UK for the European market. David and his son Luke introduced the products to the US at the 1986 Consumer Electronics Show, relocating production to Rhode Island and then Chino, California, as Vacuum Tube Logic of America. In 1993, Luke Manley founded VTL Amplifiers, Inc., independently, solidifying its American base in Chino, where all products are still handmade today.
VTL specializes in high-powered tube amplifiers and preamplifiers, emphasizing pure tube designs with simple circuit paths, robust power supplies, and premium output transformers for full-frequency response and minimal distortion. Their lineup focuses on delivering dynamic, musical sound reproduction, blending modern technology with user-friendly reliability. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, VTL's components excel in recreating live music's vitality in home audio systems.
Positioned firmly in the high-end hi-fi market, VTL commands a reputation for timeless, reliable tube gear that appeals to discerning audiophiles seeking emotional engagement over gimmicks. Led by Luke Manley, the brand marries musical purity with elegant design and proven longevity, earning acclaim as a leader in high-performance tube amplification for over four decades.
See all VTL listings on RADAR.
