Let's forget about being politically correct

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.

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

Tubes rule, period!

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

I feel sonically and electrically that a proper SS preamp and a good tube amp (ARC,Wolcott,SF,McIntosh) with the correct power and cables makes the most sense. I defy anyone to listen to my system and tell me it is not musically natural and quiet as the grave with no false air read noise. Just choose your flavor with input tubes. The opposite amplifies the tube "rush" (some of A.Porter's exemplars,the Atmasphere, and BAT and others) maybe an exception but they will still add noise as they age and that noise will be amplified all the way down the line....IMHO&E