Tube Preamps Should Have This Feature


So it's late or you just want some casual listening for a short time. "Should I fire up my tube pre for 30 minutes?". My answer is "No". Why not let me flip a switch (or push in the volume control) to put my pre into "bypass" mode? Bypass would, effectively, convert your pre into a passive device, keeping the tubes dark.

This sounds useful to me.

128x128dweller

I went with Class A and personally, I don't miss the tubes. I can listen immediately and it warms up in just minutes anyway. Hot even, but not as bad as tubes. You also can up the power for much less cost.

I might get hate mail for saying this, with comments including that Class A doesn't sound like tubes. Which I agree with, they don't sound the same, but I also don't miss tubes. YMMV of course.

Tubes done right have a certain 'glory' in presentation, I don't think it can be replicated by transistors. It is felt in addition to heard.

And speaking of tube power, with the right amp/speakers match, those 60 ultraliear watts that I get feel like more than double. 

Passive mode is by far the worst  for an active gain stage ,you are using the power 

supplies and soundstage imaging and dynamics are better.

The $1k Schiit Freya + is very good for the money,

but not in the league  of  a Aesthetix , or Linear Tube Audio preamp  a truly good

preamp is much better built in every. Respect and is a fully  active gain stage preamp.

Passive mode is by far the worst  for an active gain stage ,you are using the power 

supplies and soundstage imaging and dynamics are better.

The $1k Schiit Freya + is very good for the money,

but not in the league  of  a Aesthetix , or Linear Tube Audio preamp  a truly good

preamp is much better built in every. Respect and is a fully  active gain stage preamp.  If you have to worry about the expense of  a quad of tubes then  just just save for a good solid state preamp and be done with it .Myselfonlyuse matched vintageNOS tubes  far better then todays Russian,and china tubes, and last much longer ,if bought from a reputable dealer.like Brent Jesse audio,who offers a 2 year 

warranty for little money, or vintage tube services.

Your speaker coils need the 20-30 minute warm up more than the tube amp or pre amp......According to Steve Deckert ( who knows something about sound)