If you haven’t already, you should check out the Klipsch forum. I think that many who purchase high efficiency speakers do so because they highly value dynamics in the musical presentation, and they want to use them with SET amps. Klipsch and tubes are a magical combination. I remember visiting an audio store in the 70s and being blown away listening to a Sheffield Track record on a system with McIntosh tube gear and Klipschorns. Solid state amps with Klipsch speakers can be quite good, especially with a warmer presentation offered by the likes of NAD or Parasound that takes some of the edge off an otherwise strident fatiguing treble. But most Klipsch Heritage line 2 channel systems I am quite certain are being driven by a tube amp. If you decide to experiment with a tube preamp, I would suggest a used Audio Research preamp with a more euphoric sound rather than something like C-J with coloration, given that your Parasound amp is already on the warm side. I think you are wise however to try out a low wattage tube amp that can be a relatively low cost experiment (e.g., Decware, Coincident, Bottlehead if you have DIY leanings).
Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp?
Greetings!
I’ve seen some folks using Tube Preamps with Solid State Am ps. I’m thinking of doing that with my system as part of an incremental change. I currently have a Parasound P5 preamp with a Parasound A21 driving Klipsch Cornwall 4’s. Will a decent / good Tube Preamp really make a difference in my sound? I enjoy what I have now but really want to experience Tubes in my system. Thanks!
I’ve seen some folks using Tube Preamps with Solid State Am ps. I’m thinking of doing that with my system as part of an incremental change. I currently have a Parasound P5 preamp with a Parasound A21 driving Klipsch Cornwall 4’s. Will a decent / good Tube Preamp really make a difference in my sound? I enjoy what I have now but really want to experience Tubes in my system. Thanks!
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- 147 posts total
- 147 posts total