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tube magic with digital source?

Is the "magic" of tube amplification more pronounced when listening to an analog source as opposed to a digital source?

It's been a long time since I have listened to either vinyl or tube amplification. Currently I listen to Tidal and Qobuz exclusively, through a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400. I sometimes take analog out of the Lyngdorf into my Pass XA30.5 if I want to try to coax a little more warmth out of the sound. But as good as the Pass, which I have had for several years, is, it doesn't sound that different from the Lyngdorf's amp on the vast majority of recordings. That surprised me a lot when I first got the Lyngdorf. 

What I am wondering is, is a high quality tube amp as likely to present as much of that subtle (or not so subtle) holographic magic if the source is digital?

jaybarnett

Showing 3 responses by jaybarnett

jaybarnett OP
25 posts
 
Sorry @millercarbon. I missed your point in my reply.

You are certainly correct in that it seems the majority contend that tubes add something (ideally pleasurable) to the sound, as opposed to doing a better job of not adding/changing/omitting anything.

Now I'm off to shop for a tube amp...
jaybarnett OP
25 posts
 
Thanks @millercarbon. So do I understand correctly that it is simply a waste of tubes if one only listens to digital sources?

Jenifer Warnes is a great case in point, BTW.
jaybarnett OP
25 posts
 
Thanks to everyone who provided insights here. I agree the best thing to do is try it. 
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