2. amps-preamps
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Desire to try tubes

So I am new to this have no audio contacts, and low budget it seems based on reading forum. I inherited my brothers Heresy I’s (and LP /CD collection) two years ago and started my journey. First bought a Rega P3 and Rega Fono stage running with existing 20 yo Denon 5.1. Then upgraded the Hereseys from Crites with crossovers and new tweeters (46 yo units). Months later after research and savings bought Stellar GCD and Stellar S 300 amp along with Syzygy SLF 870 sub from Underwoodwally. Nice! Next Marantz 6006 CD as transport and Underwood Emerald Physics and Core Power gold power cords and speaker cables. As able Audio Quest entry connects for all. Each move improved sound. Added a Bluesound node 2i as well only listening to Pandora though. I have no reference to options as I’ve only owned Hereseys and never heard a tube amp in a home and am very curious if a tube pre-amp would be a big plus? If I tried one could muster up to 5k. Just looking for the best sound quality I can afford.
Room is 14.6 x 14.10 x sloped ceiling 8-13’ with 5’ flat section at 13.
bilyeauxbrew
facten
2,932 posts
 
Another option would be to look for a good quality tube integrated amp that would match with your speakers
tuberist
951 posts
 
There is no best tube sound. If you are able, I strongly recommend you audition some tube products to see what kind of flavor you prefer. Some of us like tube amplification that is somewhat  solid state like while others prefer the glow or burnished sound some tube designs can provide.
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
Thanks, will starting with pre-amp better than tube amp? Do you need both for the best tube sound?


^^^^
Yes a  high quality tube pre + high quality tube amp = superior sound, But will cost ya $$$$$$. 
Best bet stay with tube integrated. 
soix
10,034 posts
 
If your experience with speakers is fairly limited, I’d recommend going out and listening to a bunch to get more of a perspective.  My opinion, there are other speakers out there that would show off more of the virtues of a tubed preamp (depth of soundstage, holographic imaging), but you need to appreciate those things as well or it’s moot.  Since you’re familiar with Underwood and they offer a nice 30-day trial period, I’d recommend giving one of their excellent LSA models a try and see what you think.  BTW, now that you’re streaming it’s definitely worth $15/month to upgrade to Qobuz for significantly better sound quality.  Best of luck. 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,236 posts
 
Thanks, will starting with pre-amp better than tube amp? Do you need both for the best tube sound? 5k would be tops for both if need/desire both. And yes i will check those resources to understand impedence matching did not know about that...

I have experience with one all-tube system and one higher quality solid state integrated unit. Then, I've mixed and matched as follows: (a) tube preamp with a solid state amp and (b) also the other way around, a solid state preamp with a tube amp.

Overall, the all tube sound is preferable to me, but the next biggest difference is delivered by (a), the tube preamp w/ solid state amp.

The suggestion of a hybrid integrated is an excellent one, as are the suggestions to consider trying things out, including speakers which might also be more expressive of what tube gear can deliver. Only once you've educated your ear a bit can you know what's most important to you. That said, if you got a hybrid integrated, you'd have some variability in the tube rolling section of the preamp already at your service.
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