For tube sound, which is more important: preamp or power amp?


I have always loved the “tube sound” - warmth, midrange, soundstage. Through the years (since about 1975), I have owned many tube and solid state amps and preamps, in various combinations. Presently, I have a tube amp and a solid state preamp. But like most of you, I am thinking of making changes, again.  Not to cloud the discussion, the specific brands are not important.  I also listen to acoustic music, females vocals, love mini monitors, EL34s, NOS tubes, and don’t care that much about bass.  So you can see that my taste fits the tube sound very well. But I have had systems that are too warm, not enough dynamics or details, and fat in the low end, too.

okay, now to the discussion.  To produce the tube sound, which is more important: the preamp or the power amp?  Let’s talk in general, and (if possible? May not be) not tied to one specific piece/brand/model of equipment.  I know there are exceptions to any general rule.  Not sure if it makes a difference to your comments, but I have no phono and am running line stage only.

As an attempt to prevent the conversation as going in a big tangent, let’s assume equality of price/quality. i.e. not comparing a $10k power amps contribution to a system to that of a $1k preamp.  Let’s also assume that the amp (tube or solid state) can drive the speakers just fine, such that compatibility does not limit the decision. And ignore mono blocks versus stereo amp differences.  

two follow ons: I have  the perception that preamps give you more bang for the buck - meaning that it takes less money to get a great tube preamp compared to a great tube amp.  Agree/disagree? And second, I have never owned a tube dac or CD player, and will assume that tubes in either of these is less critical than in a preamp or power amp. Agree/disagree?

i am interested in your thoughts.

Bill
meiatflask
I have heard a recent new product from a well established company with very innovative approach to class AB amplification in my system for a 30 day trial. Incredible resolution. Super clear, dynamic, great soundstage...etc. but after some time too clinical; almost too perfect to the point where my brain disengages from the sound and I want to walk away. Too "high fi". Could not relax with this sound.This is NOT a direction I want my system to go in. I sent it back.

Benchmark managed to make a Class AB amp sound like a Class D amp. Quite an interesting accomplishment. Suck out the distortion with NFB and suck the life out of the music. There is no free lunch with NFB. 
  • Seanheis1, It seems that you have to be very judicious and careful with the employment of negative feedback (NFB). It can provide uber low THD and very high damping factor (DF) measurements that may impress some. The penalty can be dry, clinical and lifeless sound quality. Tread cautiously as it’s a balancing act for certain. Reminds of how some listeners felt about Halcro audio products. Keep in mind that  what is considered clinical and lifeless to one may be amazingly accurate and transparent to another. Subjectivity rules.
  • Charles
All I know is that whatever you get that has tubes it seems to be a blackhole for money if you want to tube roll
.I did not expect that as I was buying up tubes.
I still want more so now if someone in the family asks what I want for Christmas,Bday or Fathersday I'll say" Tubes ".
Between guitar  amps,The Freya and the Primaluna give me 6sn7,5692,12ax7,12at7,12au7 etc.el84,el34,kt66,kt77,kt88 or kt120.
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wow,similar fantasy for me.I worked at a TV Shop[actually 2] in the 80's and we had WALLS of tubes.I always wished I'd had the foresite to snatch up a few Peaches Crates full.Didnt mess with guitars then so I did not even dream I'd ever need tubes.The old guy that owned the first shop always said tubes wouldnt go away.If only for the Governments secret tube communication bunkers lol.I also have the same dream now for guitars and amps