VTL TL 2.5I

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows some minor signs of wear. Comes with original packaging.

The TL-2.5i tube preamplifier is designed to deliver music as faithfully as possible to the source, reproducing the signal in a direct, realistic, and colorless manner. It is engineered to integrate easily into complex audio systems, offering extensive control over all audio and video sources. It features six line inputs, an optional internally installable phono stage, two pairs of outputs, a tape loop, and an external processor loop, making it suitable for home theater configurations as well.

This updated version of the long-standing TL-2.5 introduces significant improvements in both the line and phono stages, using audiophile-grade components to achieve a more refined sound, higher resolution, richer harmonics—particularly in the mids and highs—and fast, dynamic response, in line with the hallmark VTL sound. Its fully tube-based architecture, combined with a low-impedance, high-current output, ensures excellent drive capability even with demanding amplifiers, maintaining deep bass response without audible roll-off.

The design includes robust, dedicated power supplies for each gain stage, contributing to stability and consistent performance. The signal path is kept as direct as possible to minimize interference and preserve musical integrity. High-precision volume and balance controls are laser-trimmed, RCA connectors are gold-plated, and the printed circuit boards are fiberglass with heavy copper traces. The chassis, built from thick metal, provides structural rigidity and effective shielding for the power sections, further optimized by a low-radiation transformer.

Functionally, the TL-2.5i offers great operational flexibility, including user-selectable gain between normal and low modes, and a mono function for both line and phono inputs. The phono stage supports MM and MC cartridges and allows extensive customization through load and gain adjustments, simplifying optimization for any vinyl setup. It employs a low-noise hybrid JFET design, with the option of an MC step-up transformer to further reduce noise, and features improved RF interference filtering for clean, undisturbed playback.

Hand-built at the VTL factory in California, the TL-2.5i combines solid construction and high-quality components with a musically engaging sound, delivering exceptional clarity, naturalness, and musicality, offering high-level performance relative to its positioning.

Technical specifications:

• Tubes: 2 x 12AU7; 2 x 12AT7
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.02% (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB
• Maximum output voltage: 30 V RMS
• Gain: 8 dB or 14 dB selectable
• Input impedance: 50 kΩ; 200 kΩ
• Channel separation: 75 dB @ 1 kHz
• Power consumption: 100 W (line); 150 W (with phono)
• Mains fuse: 100/120 V = 1 A Ceramic Slo Blo; 220/240 V = 0.5 A Ceramic Slo Blo
• TL2.5i phono stage: MM; Active MC; MC with step-up transformer
• Phono stage tubes: 2 x 12AX7 (MM); 1 x 12AU7 (Active MC)
• Phono stage gain: 37 dB (MM); 52 dB or 58 dB selectable (Active MC); 60 dB (MC step-up)
• Load impedance: 47 kΩ, 100 kΩ (MM); 100 Ω, 470 Ω, 1 kΩ, 5 kΩ, 47 kΩ (Active MC); 100 Ω, 470 Ω, 1 kΩ (MC step-up)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (phono stage): 80 dB (MM); 70 dB (Active MC); 75 dB (MC step-up)
• Dimensions: 48.3 x 38.1 x 10.2 cm
• Weight: 11 kg