Tube Vs. SS Preamps


Oddly in +25 yrs in the hobby, I’ve never really owned a tube preamp. Can you comment on what the differences are in general sonic terms? I want a really fatigue free sound with lots of body (I run class A and class AB solid state amps).

Do you find SS preamps to be fatiguing typically, more so on average than tube ones? Or is it simply the added bloom that's appealing with tube preamps?

greg7

Typically there used (30 years ago and earlier) to be fairly large differences between the two camps. But they step by step converged closer to real music and to reflect more the designers intent as opposed to detailed but harsh versus warm and lacking detail. Of course it also depends on the price range. Inexpensive stuff is made with components chosen for cost and not sound quality.

However, there are still some residual differences in well implemented tube components versus well implemented solid state. My evidence is that over the last 50 years (starting with the preamp), slowly, one by one all of my equipment have become tubed and my system now sounds an order of magnitude better than in the past. There is a midrange bloom and authentic character to the bass I haven’t hears from solid state. My equipment imparts an emotional connection I have never been able to achieve otherwise.

On the other hand, if you are looking for the absolute last word in detail (minuscule difference) and slam, many people still like solid state. They also state not wanting to have to replace tubes (typically every 3,000 hours or more). My own theory is that some of slam is artificially created with a lean midrange and very fast transients SS amps can give you. But to me that robs you of some of the rhythm and pace (the emotional connection and musicality).

To me, the preamp is the most critical piece of equipment, and was my first to choose tubed... Audio Research... my preferred brand. You can see my systems by clicking on my ID.

@greg7 if you decide to try a tube preamp with your solid state amps, treat yourself to a nice one if you can.  One piece that never  gets rotated out is my triode 6SN7 based tube preamplifer. Works amazingly well and musical with SS or Tube amps.    

If you’re not sure whether you want tube or SS sound, check out the 6H30 based preamps. Great tube! Super clean, linear, and resolving.

If you want a more traditional "sweet" tube sound, I'd stick to those that use 6922 or 6SN7 in their circuit. 

I use an MSB S-200 SS power amp, and a Herron Audio tube preamp; it's a great preamp, cause it looks like it's SS - no tubes sticking out anywhere and the sound is about as neutral as you can get with tubes; works very well with the MSB as that is a very uncolored amp.... I let the speakers supply the warmth I like....

@jjss49 perfectly worded my observations. 

@mulveling 's advice matches my experience. After using I number of 6922/6DJ8 and other "roller" preamps, I found more satisfaction with a 6H30-based design, used in many BAT & Audio Research models. Some may see a downside in no compatibility with all the legendary, exotic vintage tubes. I've overcome that by wearing the Amperex Bugle Boy logo on a tshirt while I listen to my 6H30s. Cheers,

Spencer