2. amps-preamps
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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
gammajo's avatar
gammajo
844 posts
 

Parts Connection usually has the Taks at a discount

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
924 posts
 

@gammajo 

many thanks

the way I understand it, the Brama can be used in tube mode or SS mode

( class A ) at a click of a button .

Someone should never buy , before he has heard it ,  I know.

I hope it will be a nice discovery.

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
924 posts
 

@greg7 

Sorry for this hijacking.

 

mglik
889 posts
 

Taks are the best. Maybe even beyond NOS WEs.

Tube preamp with SS amp is a traditional and frequently fine combination.

Most tube preamps smooth out most SS amps.

 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 

What is "fatigue free" ?

@vinowino Its a lack of audible higher ordered harmonics (which, if audible, are perceived by the ear as harshness and brightness) and also low intermodulation distortion; intermodulations also contribute to harshness and brightness.

Tubes are still being made because so many solid state products made over the last 60 years are harsh and bright.

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