Solid state to tube


I have been a solid state guy since my start in this hobby. Over the years I have built a few systems and have used mainly older YBA seperates pre and power for my front end.

I also have a pair of musetex MT101 mono blocks from Meitner audio which I use as well.

My speakers are reference 3a lintegre

I am thinking of moving to a all tube system 

. However I have little experience

I have looked at Quick Silver and a small boutique builder called Will Vincent. Have not heard anything yet. I thought I might inquire here first for any suggestions from tube savvy members

ecpninja

Cannot say enough good things about Quicksilver. I own Mono120s using KT120s and drive them with either his Line Preamp (6922 version) or my AI M3B, and this is an end game set up for me, period. The power, dynamics, and naturalness of instrumental timbres (woodwinds, cello, French horn, lute, piano, etc) are just "right" sounding.

Suggest you also try an ARC pre-amp if you can.  They have been "known" for building quality pre-amps since the early 1970's.  I recently bought a used SP-6A for about $800.00  It is miraculous, and I was using LUX tube pre-amps before that, which were not really "bad."

Just a suggestion.  I am sure you will be pleased with whatever you finally buy.  Be sure to try it IN YOUR ROOM before you buy if you can.

Cheers!
 

Another kudo to Quicksilver. I’ve been using all QS gear for the past 20 years. The stuff is built to last and I have never had a burp from any piece that I own. If you check the site you will see that most of the amps are now discontinued. Mike is still making the Mid Mono. If 40 watts is sufficient I can’t see you going wrong with those!

http://quicksilveraudio.com/amplifiers/

 

 

I agree with the posters here who say audition a tube system. I use a tubed preamp in my main system. My other vintage systems are mostly tubes which I enjoy. It’s a big jump to all tubes so take it carefully. Consider that tubes wear out and they are expensive, there is heat involved, there can be biasing problems, and the occasional melt down ( ie. Red platting, which I had on one of my vintage amps). Music can have less bass impact as ss systems. You my not care or notice but that’s why you should audition. Aside from all of this, they sound wonderful, but consider in my opinion I don’t think I’d want my main system to be an all tube system. That’s why I use a tubed pre. Hope this helps. 

Yes....tube pre with SS amp is your best sound IMHO.....Audio- gd tube pre with PT GaN 400 has my Pendragons swinging wildly. Love the combo.