2. amps-preamps
  3. 951587141

taking the plunge into tubes

I currently have an all-solid-state system, but would like to experiment with tube sound. Trying to decide between spending money on a tube preamp versus buying a tubed outboard DAC. We're looking for a more engaging, lusher sound that tubes are supposed to be noted for. We recently purchased a new Aragon 8008BB power amp, so replacing it with a tube power amp is out of the question -- for now :-). Here's the current system: Nakamichi MB-10 CD player; McCormack TLC-1 line stage preamp, Aragon 8008BB amp, PSB Stratus Gold-i speakers; Monster Interlink 400 interconnects, Goertz MI2 speaker cables. I'm thinking of something like the CAL Alpha tubed DAC with 24/96 D/A upgrade, or something like the Sonic Frontiers Line-1 tube preamp. Another alternative is the Ah! Tjoeb '99 tubed CD player. Any thoughts on direction to go? Thanks. Steve
1439bhr
rec
328 posts
 
I use to have an Aragon amp and preamp in my system. It was so bright I sold the preamp and added a tube (VTL 2.5 linestage) This helped, but in my system it was still to bright. I sold the Aragon amp and bought an Audio Research tube amp. It completly changed the sound of my system. I'm all tube now and have both upgraded the preamp and amp. If you go the tube route and deceide to change tubes, go to rec.audio.tubes and you can find what you are looking for and much cheaper than Upscale Audio. Good luck.
winoguy17
1,117 posts
 
Try a conrad johnson PV10A pre amp,you can find used ones in the 600-$700. range. Great sound,low maint. and solidly built. I also have PSB Golds and McCormack DNA1 amp with this pre amp
becketma
4 posts
 
Consider replacing the weakest component in your system. Form your description, it is power cords. Rooms have a dramatic effect on sound. You can get a sound pressure meter from radio Shack and a test CD of tones that go from 1,000 cycles up to 20K cycles/second; plot frequency VRS amplitude of signal -- work on smoothing out the amplitude by moving speakers, listening position; you can use artifical 6 foot trees to break up signals instead of expensive audio phile stuff that does the same. Hope these suggestions help Bob
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