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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
phastrone
24 posts
 
Interesting that this topic should come up again just now...Here's a copy of a question I logged on to ask...
"I'm using a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2 biwired to Vandersteen model 2cs...I have a chance to pick up a Hafler DH200 cheap. Seeking opinions as to whether biamping with a solid state amp to the low end will be a net loss or gain...I'm guessing that it will tighten up the bass, but I'm worried that it will detract from the signature tube sound of the Cronus. Opinions?"
My best (remembered) sound was a couple of decades ago with an earlier iteration of the Vandersteens, a CJ tube preamp and the DH200 with Musical Concepts mods. (Mid fi...I know) Anyway, I'm going to pick up the Hafler and try it again...I'm not expecting an improvement, but we'll see...I'll post the perceived results on this thread if that's OK...
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,963 posts
 
Getting the two amps to work together properly will be a bit of a challenge. Unless you use an active crossover, I think you will find that to a very difficult task. The problem with using an active crossover of course it that its not actually tailored to the speaker, and every one that I've heard has imposed its own signature, which is why I try to avoid them unless they are used in a subwoofer.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
Well said, atmasphere.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,004 posts
 
Since getting new speakers, I am going to retract what I said earlier. I said preamp , but mainly because I have always held the preamp as the most important electronic component.

I have been experimenting with tube compliment in my amps and am struck by how revealing my speakers are of any changes made at the input and also how different output tubes sound.

They both contribute to the flavor,  so careful matching is the key.....sometimes it's just trial and error and has more to do with luck than care.  So YMMV
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,963 posts
 
^^ When it comes to that, my preference is tubes all the way...
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