Going Tubing

I had an all SS system with McIntosh 1.2 kWh mono's and went out and demoed several different amp and preamp combo's with new Wilson speakers I was going to acquire.  After 1 1/2 years of looking and listening I found that the best sounding combination was the Audio Research REF6SE preamp and REF160S amp (I actually preferred the 160S over the Audio Research 160M's)  when I combined that with the Wilson's it was so much better.  I learned about Ohm's law and found that my McIntosh amps were not a great match for my Martin Logan ESL15A's. 

My best suggestion is research as time consuming as that can be; however, in the end you will be more knowledgeable and understand your system better.  Make sure you listen to all types of music and different quality recordings.  

Since adding the above tube components I have added an Audio Research PH9 phono stage and a Nagra Tube Dac with a separate power supply.  Obviously, I like the tube sound better.  To me, my vinyl sounds so much better through tubes.  I also have a pair of REL S812 subs connected into my Wilson Alexia V's and overall I am really happy with the sound.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

I have had various amps and preamps over the 55+ years in this hobby. Almost all of it has been tubed and the times I delved into SS units, they didn’t last long in my system...back to tubes I went.

A tube preamp is a very good way to start, a no brainer, but in my experience the power amp contributes more to that tube sound than a preamp so if you really want to experience what tubes will do for you, then consider that. Also buying tube gear and having a specific expectation that it will sound a certain way can be a bit of a crapshoot. For example

#1 Some tube gear is voiced rather neutrally while others more colourful.

#2 Most modern tube gear is more neutral than 25 years ago

#3 Tube type used makes a difference. For example a tube power amp with 300B output tubes (not enough output power for you anyways) will sound very different from one with KT88 output tubes.

#4 Actual tube brand makes a difference so for example a British Mullard EL34 will sound very different from a Russian or Chinese modern EL34

Personally I have some Quicksilver Mid Mono power amps that I really enjoy. It can run EL34, 6L6, and KT88 tubes and each has it’s own sound, yet they all sound very good.

I agree with a previous poster’s suggestion to get a power amp with only 4 output tubes, much easier and less costly to retube and manage. This type of amp would typically give you 40-55 watts/channel. I have run speakers that one would consider a not so great match with these type of amps yet unless you are in huge room and want to play at high levels, it can still work very well if not optimally. At least then you can decide, if you like what tubes bring to the table, to go bigger.

I hope all this info has not overwhelmed you and scared you off tubes, it’s really worth it. BTW, I’m also a Bimmerlover, we have 3 in the household, and with spring in the air the Z4M is getting out in the sunshine a bit lately!

@alvinnir2    ^^^^^

Well said... 

Currently using an Icon tube phono amp with an Icon integrated tube amp (quad KT88). Very good for the price. 

I run my Triton R1's with a pair of 20 year old Cary Audio Six Pac mono blocks and  a Prima Luna Dialogue Premium preamp. Sound is superb! The 92 db sensitivity and the powered 1600 w subs enclosed in the Tritons makes the Six Pacs 50 w output more than enough. I'll occasionally switch in my  Classe Audio Model Fifteen SS amp for more casual listening.

J.Chip