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SS preamp with tube amp

I toying with the idea of using my Esoteric integrated as a preamp to pair up with a tube amp.  I'm wondering if I will get the "tube sound" with this set up.

Ag insider logo xs@2xgreginnh
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
Yes you will get that sound, and I think it would do wonders in terms of warmth helping to offset the coldness of the Esoteric....As long as the output impedance is low enough to drive the amp properly, so make sure you check that. You want the amps input impedance to be at least 10x greater than the preamps output for best synergy. Should work well :-)


Matt M 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,238 posts
 

Greginnh,

Given the context of your inquiry I’ll state my perspective. In terms of obtaining or retaining "tube character" I believe the power amplifier has more influence in that regard than the preamplifier. I believe that SS pre/tube amp or tube pre/SS amp (the far more common approach) can both be successfully implemented. The "quality" of your preamp is the critical variable. If your objective is to have the intrinsic character of tubes present in your system then the tube power amp will have the more dominant impact as it’s directly driving the speaker. Obviously this assumes you’re using appropriate speakers with the tube amplifier. I’m not suggesting the tube preamp has no contribution but that it’s less than the amplifier. Let us know what you hear with your SS Esoteric and tube amp.I use a tube pre and power amp. Hypothetically If "forced" to give up one, I’d keep the tube amplifier and obtain the best SS preamp I could afford.

Charles

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greginnh OP
382 posts
 
Thanks Matt and Charles,  

I am searching for the specs on my Esoteric F-05's preamp  output impedance as well those for potential amp - a MC275. 

Hopefully, as Matt indicated, there will be acceptable impedance  values on both ends!

Greg
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