2. amps-preamps
  3. 1049516051

Let's forget about being politically correct

I thought this would catch the attention of some of you. I have for the past 10 years used a SS amp and tube preamp. This was the prevailing wisdom with alot of audiophiles in the 90's and even today. I am look for a change in my amp/preamp, who out there is using a tube amp with a ss pre? How does it sound? What combinations have you tried?
bobheinatz
rcrump
427 posts
 
We build an expensive SS preamp and most of the customers use tube amps with it from Atma-Sphere, VTL, CJ, BAT, ARC or Wolcott....Probably missed somebody....It was rough to get a SS preamp to capture what tubes do best and it was rougher to get a SS amp to sound like tubes....Unless you have bundles to spend on a SS preamp you are better off with tubes....
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
I agree with you, Bob! Give me tubes or give me silence! OK, maybe a bit too strong? Honestly, listen to Rcrump on this issue. He knows what he's talking about when it comes to what constitutes a great pre-amp. Good luck.
audiokinesis
2,772 posts
 
Just for the record, the CTC Blowtorch pre-amp which Mr. Crump manufactures is absolutely stunning. Shattered all my preconceived notions (as did those damn JC-1's). Well, at least I can peddle the JC-1's (from Parasound) - the Blowtorch remains my bitter competition.

Tippin' my virtual hat to you, Mr. Crump...

Duke
steelhead
318 posts
 
Tubes rule, period!
danner
202 posts
 
I added a Tact RCS 2.0 to my stystem (tube pre and amp). Then I removed the preamp to try the simpler is better approach. This configuration didn't last through the first song. I put the preamp back in and it's been there ever since. YMMV
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