2. amps-preamps
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Mixing SS and Tubes

I'm thinking about getting into tubes and have read threads about mixing SS amps with tube preamps. What about the other way around? Are there any advantages (or disadvantages) with mixing a ss preamp with a tube amp? I currently have a MAC MA6450 which I was thinking of using for the preamp side and then getting a reasonable tube amp to play around with. If this is worthwhile, any suggestions for the tube amp (< $1000) would be appreciated.

Thanks!
stereomaniac
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Yes, I was responding to your comment about "speakers will have a lot to do with your ultimate success." It is certainly true that some very low impedance speakers could cause problems for tube amps and for ss if there is a thermo runaway possibility.

I think the old wisdom that you could not have tube preamps run ss amps is out of date. I suspect the old wisdom to the effect that some "tubes" in the mix will help your sound.
south43
386 posts
 
Unsound what should be the ratio of impeadance when dealing with tube pre ss amp issues? I currently have this setup(see my response above) and in addition will check my manuals on both pieces. Thanks.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I vaguely remember a 1 to 4 ratio, but the smaller the output impedance is relative to the input impedance of the amp the better.
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