2. amps-preamps
  3. 162633-147523

Should I got full tubes or stick with hybrid amps?

I currently have a Jolida 1501. I like it but I think I have upgraditis. I originally bought it (hybrid) because I’m really sensitive to highs (get a headache). It’s been good to me and I can listen without fatigue.

To help with upgraditis, I just bought a Yamaha AS801 to try out and although it definitely sounds good and has nice detail it is creating a little fatigue for me. I’m still in the break-in period so this may smooth out a bit.  (I definitely like having bass/treble controls).

Thinking about picking up a full tube amp or another hybrid for comparison. I don’t know much about other manufacturers of tubes/hybrids.

What’s the difference (sonically) between a hybrid and a full tube amp? Any recommendations?

Thanks!!
soundchasr
hobo1452's avatar
hobo1452
85 posts
 
soundchasr;
The tubes on my SV-237MK are NOT soldered in place, nor were they on the SA-T7. I am not aware of any of their current production equipment having that decidedly unattractive fault! As to price, keep a regular eye on Audio Advisor's site as they do have Vincent open box items pop up from time to time with some decent reductions. Upscale Audio also sells the SV-237MK. There are also rumblings on the air waves that Vincent's stuff is made in China. Whether it's true or not, I couldn't say. You certainly couldn't tell by just looking because the build quality is exceptional. 
hobo1452's avatar
hobo1452
85 posts
 
Also to soundchasr; 
Don't limit your search by excluding chifi equipment. There is some surprisingly good stuff coming from China lately. Before I bought my Crimson 275, I bought a Chinese made integrated tube amp to see if I really wanted to get back into tubes. I started with a Muzishare X-7 that ran four KT88's and pushed 25 wpc in triode mode and 45 in ultralinear. As a straight integrated amp with no tone controls, I found it a little too  neutral for my liking, but using the SV-237MK as a pre amp, it was very impressive. Both the build quality and appearance were exceptional as well. You might be surprised what you can get for your stated budget. The down side is if you have to return it. I got mine through Amazon so that wasn't a problem, and mine arrived in perfect condition and working order. Check out https://www.china-hifi-audio.com/en for ideas and then cross reference on Amazon. If my budget had not allowed me to step up to the Crimson 275, I would have been more than happy to continue using the X-7. 
hobo1452's avatar
hobo1452
85 posts
 
Well, duh to me! Where does Jolida come from?! Anyhoo, it's still good stuff. 
mesch
3,476 posts
 
I owned a Vincent SV-226MK and the tubes were not soldered in. Wish I had not sold it. They are made in China to Vincent's specs and parts choice. May by a company (forgot name) that is known to produce a fine chinese product.

I have never owned the SV-237MK, however, based on my experience with the 226 and feedback within this forum I believe it to be a great integrated in it's price range. 
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,543 posts
 
soundchasr:

Sorry I didn't get back sooner.

Assuming that the sound of the tubes in a "buffer" is similar to what they would be like in the gain stage of an amplifier the GE 5751's were a good reasonably priced pick if you were aiming for more clarity/detail over typical 12ax7's (probably what I would have tried).

I would also take a look @ the Sovtek 12ax7LPS if your goal is to squeeze more detail out of the 1501.

Another cheap/free experiment would be to support the 1501 with "hard" footers to see if doing so increases detail enough without robbing fullness/richness too much.

Perhaps something around the home used in a 3-point position?

I've owned various purpose made cones and ball bearing footers, but have also experimented with things as simple as bull nosed lug nuts and small ceramic ramekins.

DeKay 


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