1. Tubes are great, but the more, the merrier strategy does not apply. Since every tube in the signal path has its own unique character, compounded by coupling capacitor distortion, each tube/cap in the signal path makes the sound increasingly colored and vague. Therefore I recommend a minimum of tubes in the signal path for best performance.
2. Although tube amps are great, solid-state amps also have their strong points. And now, there are digital amps that sound as good as either genre but are much more energy efficient. The best amplifier sound I have heard is running a custom 6SN7 (single tube) preamp into my digital amps. In my opinion, it is the least compromised sound Ive been able to achieve and Im extremely pleased with it. On my high-resolution ribbon speakers the sound is ultra smooth, detailed, and lifelike.
3. Equalizers and tone controls are valid and do have a useful place in some installations. My room has a broad peak around 125Hz to around 180Hz. The only effective way to flatten it out is by using a good transparent EQ -- and that works exceedingly well. The sound is so un-naturally boomy without the EQ that I couldnt listen to it for any length of time.
4. Most high-end cables are obscenely overpriced, although competent cabling definitely makes a positive improvement.
5. Most systems can benefit greatly from using AC regeneration or AC filtering products. If you really want the most from your audio system you need to address this area. Its a real problem and not snake oil by any stretch.
6. The more you paid for your expensive moving coil cartridge, the more break-in time it will need, and the more painstakingly accurate set-up it will require to really shine.
Cheers!
2. Although tube amps are great, solid-state amps also have their strong points. And now, there are digital amps that sound as good as either genre but are much more energy efficient. The best amplifier sound I have heard is running a custom 6SN7 (single tube) preamp into my digital amps. In my opinion, it is the least compromised sound Ive been able to achieve and Im extremely pleased with it. On my high-resolution ribbon speakers the sound is ultra smooth, detailed, and lifelike.
3. Equalizers and tone controls are valid and do have a useful place in some installations. My room has a broad peak around 125Hz to around 180Hz. The only effective way to flatten it out is by using a good transparent EQ -- and that works exceedingly well. The sound is so un-naturally boomy without the EQ that I couldnt listen to it for any length of time.
4. Most high-end cables are obscenely overpriced, although competent cabling definitely makes a positive improvement.
5. Most systems can benefit greatly from using AC regeneration or AC filtering products. If you really want the most from your audio system you need to address this area. Its a real problem and not snake oil by any stretch.
6. The more you paid for your expensive moving coil cartridge, the more break-in time it will need, and the more painstakingly accurate set-up it will require to really shine.
Cheers!