2. amps-preamps
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Which will make the most impact, Tube amp or pre..

amp?
I am mostly satisfied with my system but have always wondered if tube power would make my Silverline Sonatas sing even prettier. I have considered an 8 wpc SET amp. However I have been told by some that the biggest difference was made by a tube preamp. I know the conventional wisdom for a hybrid system is a tube preamp with solid state amp. Adding a tube amp would be opposite from standard thought but I am very happy with my SS preamp. But then again I did not think a good preamp was supposed to "color" the signal. So why does a tube preamp make more impact if this is true? I am skeptical but I may be wrong. Will the SET amp make a big difference. My system is listed if you need reference. Thanks
128x128artemus_5
d911
18 posts
 
People ussually go for the tube preamp with the SS amp for the benefit of getting tube magic from the pre and keeping the control and power of the SS amp. I would also add that in a perfect world it always better to audition in your system first, if possible.
:)
audiobugged
528 posts
 
Good Answer D911!

I think it's just the Fad, right now? Adding a tube-pre, w/ a SS amp, this combo is to add tube warmth. I'm about to give it a shot next week & jump aboard the trend, adding a BAT VK-3i to a Bryston 4B-ST in one of my systems. Just look at all the Mods for sacd/cdp's w/ tube stages happening today. Will 8 wpc SET be enough to make the Silverline's sing?
steuspeed's avatar
steuspeed
501 posts
 
I run a tube pre and SS mono's and I like the combo very much. I had and OTL Atma-sphere S-30 for a bit and it was slightly better in the mids and top-end, but it lacked the bass control of the SS amps.

After looking at your system you might consider trying a hybrid amp like Blue Circle. Most tube amps won't match the bass from your CJ, but the mids and top-end should be better.

Looks like you need a full function preamp for all your needs. This makes the pre-amp is a more difficult choice for experiment. If you like what a hybrid does, then you know which direction you need to go with your 2Ch.

Good Luck,

Stewart
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