ss players vs tube players

generally, i prefer a tube analog stage. there is one exception, namely the naim cd x, which sounds less "digital" than any player i have ever heard.

Trelja

According to Granite, the dac used in the player (PCM1710), includes analogue voltage output (op amps). So the signal to the tube stage fed from the dac has already passed through solid state circuitry. Just FYI. When assessing your player the sound is more of the hybrid variety than a true tube player (with the tubes performing ALL voltage gain). The Granite's tube output stage is a 2nd gain stage, acting like a preamp. In fact it IS a preamp with volume control :-)

Audioguy, you are correct! The tube output stage actually IS a preamp.

Nevertheless, obviously, I stand by my tube versus solid state sound description. The 657 reflecting that...