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If you had to choose: tube amp or tube pre-amp?

So I've been on the market for a tube pre-amp, and would also like to upgrade my amp as well but I was wondering?

Upgrade to a tube amp or tube pre first?

I'm using an old Sony V444ES running the pre-outs to a 2-channel B&K amp (reference 125.2). If more details on my other components (dac, Upsampler, etc.) or speakers will help, let me know and I would be happy to list.
hockey4496
tbromgard
814 posts
 
tube pre, ss amp
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
I agree, tube pre, ss amp.
wolf_garcia
6,704 posts
 
I want the cleanest possible unstressed Class A happy little signal to come from my SS preamp and get massaged by the tubes in my amp before it hits my ears. Then I can blame the amp if it's too greasy. Besides, in a tube amp you often get large (and small) tubes to look at and burn your fingers on, and that's important. Often tube preamps have hidden tubes inside someplace so you just have to imagine them, so if I ever do buy a tube preamp I really have to have exposed tubes. Ever sit and stare at a transistor? No, you haven't, unless you've been a pathetic hostage tied to a bench in some maniac's audio repair shop...but that's another story...I also use a little tube headphone amp sometimes...mostly because it's cute.
winoguy17
1,124 posts
 
Tube pre, SS amp has worked best for me thru the years.
hockey4496 OP
104 posts
 
So the general consensus seems to be a tube pre to add to a s.s. amp.

My budget is tight (like living on student loan tight) so I've been looking at the Little Dot MK IV SE (with NOS tubes), but I wasn't sure if it will work with my B&K amp??

If I could find a good deal on a AES AE-3 that would be great, but so far no luck. I've also been reading good things about Dared SL2000A with different tubes.

Any thoughts??

Thanks!
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