I think, there should be some clarification in the Terms of Service to permit that. Perhaps answers which are generated through enhanced search (advanced reasoning chatbots with web search capabilities) would be allowed while chatbot answers that are purely based on the training data would not. There is always the risk that the answer derived through web search synthesizes some AI generated content, of course.
I think we have moved some way from the topic of 2V v. 6V.
The matter of AI and its relationship to the forum is a significant subject and one that really deserves its own thread IMO. Would you like to start one by transferring your comment ?
I am also certain that this topic will become even more important in the future as exactly how AI develops becomes clearer. Currently the forum allows the inclusion of AI so long as it is identified. I expect there may be more complex matters yet to be addressed such as copyright, use of original material etc.
I just started a new thread by linking this discussion. I’m not sure if this was the correct way to do it.
Continued here:
+1 to the 6V crowd. Even though 2V matches my preamp sensitivity better. It seems to increase the dynamics a bit
Greg, I’m responding to an ancient post, but what the heck. Are you still using the Townshend passive preamp? I’m thinking of adding that. I have a Vivaldi direct into a Boulder amp. This requires me to switch the dac output voltage often to keep the dac above 30. I think the Townshend will give me easier control of volume without any sound impact. If you are still using the Townshend I’m curious about your thoughts.
At the time of writing Pale Rider has not picked up on this.
If the Townshend is of interest, I would advise phoning them to see what the current situation is given the passing of Max. I was aware of them carrying on with a limited range but am unclear what is happening now. They are English and I have been seeing internet responses from France so I am unsure if these are just archival from their distributor there.
If you run out of luck try Music First Audio who make a similar product ( see Reference V2 preamp, copper or silver wiring) or their associated company Bespoke Audio ( the same but in a very swanky case to your order).
They are a part of Stevens & Billington transformers who, no surprise, make the transformers used therein.
Both have very high reputation.
Thank Pete. Absolute Sound did a review in late 2025 and makes it sound like the company is still ok. Do you have an opinion on this product? Seems like it does what I want, control volume without any signal impact, but one never knows. There is a used one available in Chicago which isn’t too far from me.
I have never heard the Allegri Reference but I did hear the smaller original Allegri which was memorable ( in a good way). So I have a positive expectation and would certainly be interested if I wanted to move from my existing preamp. Ditto for the Music First equivalent that I mention above.
I think that the Music First may be a little cheaper over here in the UK but I am not sure as the prices I am being quoted online for a new Allegri Reference have been in Euros ( French supplier) even though I have been using Townshend’s “Shop” link.
Sorry I missed this (lots going on here at home), but thanks for writing. No, I no longer have the Townsend in my system. But I definitely did like it. Of all the passive pre devices I tried, I liked it the most. But, once I took the time to do a lot of careful listening, none improved my system sound.
I do miss having the benefit of a non-digital remote control for volume adjustment on my headphone rack (which was where I used one passive pre the most), but a little fine tuning with the Vivaldi handles the task well, and is arguably better, if I have set the volume knob on my headphone amp(s) properly during warmup.