2. amps-preamps
  3. 161686-150037

Hi end tube preamps, it’s all about functionality!!

So most preamps over $10 grand all sound very good.  But functionality varies widely and a challenge to readily figure out.


some remotes don’t turn on unit,  some leave tubes on while watching tv/movies assuming they have ht bypass functionality,  some turn off avr when change is made to stereo listening (McIntosh), some use 3 tubes and some use 8 tubes, volume control process differences, power supply being external or internal, and many more feature variations.


it is a mess.  The marketplace over time will make a buying decision abit easier as brands soon learn that the avr/stereo integration is a very important market and ease of use along with running costs need to be considered more carefully.
emergingsoul
decooney
2,051 posts
 
Few people with "high end tube preamps" want a noisy TV/Cable system hooked to their 2-channel audio system used for listening to music. And, no, it’s all about "sound" quality first for audiophiles. Functionality is secondary.

Circuit boards and all the processing and switching used in AVR integrated units is something most folks here will avoid at all costs. Less in the circuit is more for music audiophiles. More is just more for audio-video fans who love gadgets, and remote controls with 100 button functions.

You’d have better luck and get sympathy over on the avsforum, better to go here instead: https://www.avsforum.com/forums/


tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
Weird thread topic. 2nd odd topic.

The OP perhaps needs some basic audio electronics 101 knowledge to understand why some things are just the way are.

Save your money and commission a designer to make a box to do exactly what you want.
larryi
4,038 posts
 
Most of the very best tube linestages, like the Audio Note (uk), Kondo and Shindo units have hardly any convenience or other flexible features (e.g., no remote control of volume).  Some don't even offer balance control, or if balance can be adjusted, it is by way of the volume control being two separate pots (really inconvenient).  

I have a custom-made linestage that I had to persuade the designer/builder to include remote control of volume and to include balance control.  It took him a long time to find the parts that met his requirements.

With most high-end linestages, the priority is on quality parts and build quality and not convenience features.  Such features may be included, but, only if they don't compromise sound quality.  I liked the incredible features and flexibility of my Levinson No. 32 preamp, but, it does not come close to the sound quality of the two tube-based linestages I got from custom builders.
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