2. amps-preamps
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Tubes vs. solid state.

I just switched back to my ss equipment and can't see how I listened to ss for so many years and thought that I had a good system, maybe the equipment needs to be left on for some time.
But regardless of that, the difference is startling. I know that my tube equipment is not the same degree of excellence as my ss, but now ss sounds lean, thin lifeless. Have my listening priorities changed? One thing I noticed; my listening perception adapts to the sound present in the room. As I write this the sound is improving incremently.
Anyone share the same experience??
I will post as I will continue to listen and notice differences.
Ss is simaudio p-5 w-5, tubes are Cj premier 4 amp and audio experience a2se preamp.
Are there ss preamps that will satisfy or am I smitten by bubes I mean tubes.
pedrillo
pinkus
144 posts
 
Guido,

I have had 2 CJ preamps in my system: the venerable CJ Premier 14 and later the Premier 17LS2. To my ears, as advertized, the CJ's sound just right !

The Ayre KX-R to my ears has a similar sound ... just better, with lower noise, better bass, and less hassle. I am done with my preamp quest. I am not looking for a replacement.

I assume you are fond of CJ preamps, and if so, there is some common ground between us.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i think tube amps sound better on panel speakers, while some ss amps can sound great with acoustic suspension designs.

i have heard roland and avalon speakers work well together as well as edge amps and avalaon speakers.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Agree, Tubes do magic if done right. So can SS amps. But,
still, IME, best SS amps still can't give 3D sound that best tube amps produce.
Tubes give a whole new 'complete' 3rd dimension.

I have two good phono pres ( 1 ss and 1 tube) and the difference in sound is dramatic- SS is addictive and very good hifi-like and tube one life like. It is always fun to play both back to back and realize the differences. I had SS vendeatta research phono preamp ( which I was stupid enough to sell few years back) which sat smack in the middle giving best of the both worlds.

With that said, I have had few very good SS amps (which I would never go back to, however ;-)) I would buy Vendeatta Phono pre back, for sure
paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
Now that I have sold my ASR Emitter, I can comment on it a bit more with no conflict of interest.

The Emitter is the best amplifier I have ever had or heard, and it gives up _nothing_ to any tube amp. It is absolutely as smooth and holographic as the best tube amps, with completely accurate timbre and body, and additionally with the bandwidth and power benefits of direct-coupled transistors. I am not saying it sounds like tubes - it sort of does but sort of doesn't - in ways in which it differs it is absolutely not inferior, only different. [DHSET amps still have their own sound - that 'glow' - if you are after that then they are the ticket.]

This amplifier completely changed my beliefs on what is possible with solid-state.

The only downsides are the cost and complexity.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
This is the beauty of the hobby, isn't it? So many different Nirvanas!
Well said, Guido!!! And so refreshingly different from one of our other members who recently wrote that there was "only one road to Rome" and apparently he was the only one w an up to date map!!!
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