2. amps-preamps
  3. 189339-189245

Going Tubing

Greetings!

I would like to introduce some tubes into my two channel set up.

I currently have a solid-state preamp and a solid-state power amp. (And a separate, hybrid tube phono stage.)

I am wondering, conceptually, staying with separates, if it would be better to switch the preamp to a tube preamp, or if it’s better to change the power ramp to a tube power amp. With “better” in this case I mean would have bigger impact on, for a lack of a better description, “tube sound.”

(I realize there are other considerations, such as having enough power to drive my speakers, but here I’m talking about conceptually, which part of these two audio chain components would have the most impact on the sound if switching one of them from ss to tube.)

128x128bimmerlover

Showing 2 responses by pindac

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,447 posts
 

A good friend who is a very competent EE, has built a range of Amp's in both SS and Valve, of which Valve is their most preferred.

Recently they have bought into a DHT Pre Amp design and have been trying it out on owned Amp's.

The Valve Pre' coupled to a SS Power has proven to be extremely impressive and one they want to demo'  to the Local HiFi Group at a meeting.

Demo's ser aside for the HiFi Group as a result of a experience had, usually prove to be very very well received by those receiving the demo' and new experience.

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,447 posts
 

@bimmerlover Do note:

Tubes in a Audio System are not a device one can Power On and forget about.

My Valve EE, has always encouraged the discipline for not leaving the Audio System unattended for long periods of time.

The Idea being one stays within the audio set up room for the bulk of the Power On time and even has a revisit not too long after Power Off.

Having said that I have a all Valve Power Amp's in the System for over 30 Years and today the system is inclusive of Valve Phon' and DAC.

I am vigilant when it comes to being present when the system is on. It is this same requirement that put my wife off using the audio system, even though she owns 50%+ of the Albums.  

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