The tube hiss probably because of poor AC filtering. Adding a choke ot filter the AC may help and may also add the details back.
Happy Listening.
Happy Listening.
My 1st Tube Equipment Experience
I just purchased a used Herron Audio VTSP-3A(r02) tube preamp, as a replacement for a NAD M12. I paired the M12 with a NAD M22 v2. My first impressions are the M12 has more detail, the VTSP is much warmer, which is what I wanted. The VTSP sound is definitely different. And while it lacks the M12 detail, I do like it.
With the M12, my speakers were dead silent when music was not playing. With the VTSP, I hear a slight hiss when I put my ear very near a speaker. With the M12, I used XLR from the M12 to the M22; XLR from my Parasound JC3 jr; and RCA from my Liberty DAC. With the VTSP, everything now is RCA.
Is a little hiss common when using a tube preamp and SS power amp with RCA cables?
With the M12, my speakers were dead silent when music was not playing. With the VTSP, I hear a slight hiss when I put my ear very near a speaker. With the M12, I used XLR from the M12 to the M22; XLR from my Parasound JC3 jr; and RCA from my Liberty DAC. With the VTSP, everything now is RCA.
Is a little hiss common when using a tube preamp and SS power amp with RCA cables?
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All of my components are plugged into a Furman Elite-15 PF power conditioner. The Furman is plugged into a PS Audio receptacle, which is connected to a dedicated AC line. I use WireWorld and VooDoo power cables; with a VooDoo cable to the Herron. Regarding the AC filter, are you referring to something like this: https://www.shenzhenaudio.com/da-t-ac-filter-high-performance-audiophile-super-power-purifier-filter-for-audio-and-video.html I was researching the viability of using an RCA to XLR cable, with RCA on the Herron and XLR on the M22. Might that help, or is it a bad idea. |
I was researching the viability of using an RCA to XLR cable, with RCA on the Herron and XLR on the M22. Might that help, or is it a bad idea.It won't make any difference. What might help though is to make sure you have a jumper installed in the M22 between pins 1 and 3 of the XLR when using the RCA input. This will prevent pin 3 from picking up noise. The RCA connection is single ended and that won't change if the other end of the cable has an XLR connector on it. |
I've finally found my sweet spot with the Herron and NAD settings. The Herron gain is set to low; the NAD M22 v2 gain is set to mid. Now I understand why many here have recommended a tube preamp and SS poweramp. I'm quite happy with the Herron/NAD combination. I also re-positioned my speakers. I have a small 11x12 listening room. I placed the Tannoy's 36" from the back and side walls, and toed them in about 3/4 of an inch. My two listening chars are a little more than equidistant between the speakers. No more glare and I can listen for hours with no music fatigue. I'm finally enjoying digital music as much as analog. Now I'm wondering what a better DAC would do. I have a Mytek Liberty, which sounds pretty good with my current setup. My planning budget is ~ $2.5K. Suggestions anyone? |
- 48 posts total