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Tube sound Comes, mainly, from? Pre or Power?

I quite like the tube sound and I have become accustomed to it since I was a little kid. So in my own pursuit of the tube sound I have come up with a hypothesis, and I am not sure if it is in fact correct. The way I see it, the phono section and the preamp section pull about a 50-100 multiple the of the amplification done by the power section. Would it be reasonable to assume that the majority of the tube sound would come from the pieces of equipment that do the most amplification (phono and line pre), in terms of multiples? If so this would explain a popular tube pre, solid power combinations that many people utilize. Let me know what you think. I am very curious. Thanks, and please keep in mind that despite the fact that I have been listening to tubed equipment since I was born, I know very little about it and I am in the process of building up my first system.
dfelkai
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almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I agree with everything Tvad said, including his concluding statement indicating that there are lots of differing opinions as to tube preamp + solid state power amp vs. solid state preamp + tube power amp.

I'll add that I have never encountered, and I can't envision, any particular reason why there should be a correlation with voltage amplification, assuming everything is high quality (e.g., the phono stage has low noise levels). And keep in mind that it is the power amp which provides vastly greater amplification, if defined in terms of either current or power.

Interesting and thoughtful question, though.

Regards,
-- Al
dfelkai OP
89 posts
 
makes sense. do you mind elaborating? In light of your explanation what then is the rational behind tube pre + Solid power?
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swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Part of the rational is ease of implementation. A tube pre-amp does not need to be biased (there probably is an exception somewhere), the tubes usually last a lot longer and are less expensive (for current production), esp on a cost/hr basis. Tube power amps may require biasing (unless auto-bias), power tubes typically more frequent changing and generate more heat. There are exceptions to pretty much all of this, but in general a tube pre-amp is pretty much plug and play, as is a ss power amp.
dfelkai OP
89 posts
 
I see. Thanks a million. Of course I will have to experiment by myself. The prospect of biasing seems rather painless, a dealer showed me how to do it on a rogue cronus and I have had a pro do an old guitar amp for me; also rather painless. I couldn't imagine that it may be more complicated to do on other designs. Though, I must admit, the idea of having to replace power tubes frequently over the life of the product (I listen a lot) and experiencing variable performance from these tubes is not too appealing. I suppose I would need to prove to myself that the juice is worth the squeeze. Thanks again for the input.
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