The preamp is an option I had not considered but I can run the Peachtree in power amp mode as well as preamp. Maybe I would be better served looking into tube preamps. This just seems to make more sense the more I think about it.
Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.
Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store.
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.
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Add a Fraya + you’ll get a full blown taste of tubes, 2K or so.. What you think guys.. a long with the Quicksilver MBs. I have a pair of Cary SixPacs all dolled up. Efficient speakers and a GREAT preamp, look out. EL34 voiced BUT they will run all the valves 6V6, 6L6, EL34, KT 66, 77, 88. 1-2k depends on the goodies.. SixPac/C20. World class old school sonics. Samra C20.. World class Oh poo OP, he won't ship? I just saw your post. Look for a pair of SixPacs, too.. I've seen them at 1200.00 and fresh built too. I picked up mine for 1300, just redone by Cary.. Copper foils, hexfred and new filter caps.. 20 more years.. Regards.. |
Hey johnfritter, no you are definitely not alone. I am a beginner as well, and on this same intro to tubes journey. I too have been looking into the similar amps out of China, etc. and some of them sound awesome for the money. I ultimately decided to pursue Black Ice. I called Mike at Black Ice, had a long discussion with him today, then Walter at Underwood. Both gentlemen are awesome, btw. I recommend giving them call and see what they have to say. There’s also a review of the F11 and F22 up on hometheaterhifi.com if you are interested. I pulled the trigger on the Black Ice F22 tonight! For now I will use the Peachtree as a DAC until I can determine the next move. If I end up preferring the Black Ice tube sound, then the Peachtree will get sold and I will buy an external DAC, maybe streamer like you have. I only stream Tidal & Quboz currently… Maybe someday I will tread into Carver, Raven, Primaluna et al territory, and some higher sensitivity speakers as well. Well, I can dream for now anyway. FYI, I also have a Peachtree Nova 300, and I am running the Black Ice SS-X through the Nova’s loop section. FWIW, definitely “smoothed” out the sound and makes a difference in the bass as well in my small 8x10ft room. (there is a whole forum on the SS-X BTW) We shall see how this experiment turns out! Best of luck with yours! |
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