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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.)

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jbmac75
197 posts
 

A bit more open, prior to bright.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,726 posts
 

@bimmerlover 

My current system are hybrids. PS Audio BHK Signature preamp and BHK 300 mono blocks. All three have tubes for the input section, so I can get some of that lovely tube sound without most of the heat. 

oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
501 posts
 

For about 5 years, I used a PS Audio BHK Signature hybrid preamp and BHK250 hybrid power amp. I really loved the sound. Now I use an LTA microZOTL tube preamp with my BHK amp. That combo sounds noticeably better with no listening fatigue. The LTA is more transparent, more detailed, instruments and voices sound more natural, bass is deep and tight. My speakers are 89db Tannoy DC8Ti’s.

jrwaudio
346 posts
 

@Bimmerlover

I have the cousin to your speakers, the Definitive Technology Mythos ST's with built in powered subs and drive them with my VAC PA 100 100 tube amp along with my ARC LS15 LS15 tube pre amp  I typically listen to music around 75db to 85db but trust me they can play much loader! I should mention the VAC has 2,4 & 8 ohm taps  Based on your Audiogon forum name you might like BMW's FYI I'm restoring a BMW 1973 2002tii  

fbgbill's avatar
fbgbill
302 posts
 

Since I went with separates several years ago it has been a McIntosh C2700 (tubes) and MC611's (SS). It was like they were made for each other. I have been very pleased withe them. 

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