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
@danoroo  Are you running Paradigm Persona B's? If so are you sure you really need 100 tube watts? They list at 92db sensitivity and 8 ohms. Looking at used moderately powered tube amps in your price range listed here this jumped out at me:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-tube-monoblocks-lots-of-positive-reviews-4-000-msrp-2017-11-1...

No affiliation with the seller just looks like a lot of amp for the money from a well regarded company. Good luck and happy listening!
@jond Actually I'm currently using a pair of Tekton loudspeakers rated at 98db sensitivity.
But, I like to play the music loud sometimes.  Will the 22W amps you linked to accomplish that?  I'm using a 200W SS amp now.
Hello Danoroo,
I’m with Jond 100 % with the Sophia Electric 845 SET(not push pull) amplifier and especially at that price! With your Tektons sensitivity and easy to drive characteristics, high volume shouldn’t be an issue. More importantly sound "quality " will be upper tier IMHO.

This is a well regarded manufacturer who utilizes good quality transformers and parts. In terms of true high level sound quality it’s very difficult to better this particular amplifier at this price, very difficult.

Many tube power amplifiers have an autobias feature but for those that do not biasing tubes is a pretty simple task to perform.
Charles
Danoroo,
Given the Tektons you have, here are 2 other options to consider. Dennis Had 12 watt SEP (KT 88 tube). Wolf Garcia has praised this amplifier a "few" times 😊😊.
Coincident Dynamo MK II version, 8 watt SEP (el 34 tube).
Yes they’re both lower power amplifiers but would mate well with your Tektons (Lores?) . Overall sound quality would be very good.

I must say however the 845 Sophia Electric mono blocks at that price is a genuine bargain if it’s in good condition.
Charles