2. amps-preamps
  3. 1164065208

Tube or not to tube?

I am new to the hobby and would like some input. I am seriously considering moving to a tube-integrated amp (new or used)like the PrimaLuna II or the Jolida 502. Currently I have the NAD Combo 162/272. Would I be upgrading my system with either of the tubes? Or am I just moving sideways?
musicrover
musicrover OP
56 posts
 
if I do try a tube amp like the Primaluna can I use my NAD 162 pre-amp? cd player and turntable connection.
Post removed 
musicrover OP
56 posts
 
Sorry, I was looking at the prmia and the joida and I did not see either had a phono input. Just a cd,tape, aux. I do have a nice collection of lp's (IMO), In my wed surfing I have come across tube imtergrated amps need a per-amp for phono so, If I come across a unit with just an aux input can I use my current pre-amp?
Post removed 
christobyl
15 posts
 
I recently worked in a high end store. The best results we found..is to use a tube preamp with a MOSFET solid state amp. Best of both worlds. Tube preamp tubes last alot longer than tube amp tubes by 3x or so, and they are much cheaper than amp tubes.
If I were you I would buy a nice tube pre..use it with your NAD amp (bipolar I believe). You will be blown away by the musicality-listenability. Then step up your amp to a MOSFET type, you will then be awash in tube-like sound. The bipolar amp will deliver tighter and stronger bass but the MOSFET amp will better duplicate tube like bass and distortion quality. However you want it.
More to discover