I have been using a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 with both Bryston 4BST and a BAT VK655SE. No issues either way. Both sound wonderful, but different. The BAT lacks the imaging and impact of the Bryston. Yes i was Very Surprised especially about the dynamics. The BAT is mellower and maintains it's composure at very high dB's. I am driving Maggie 3.7i in a large room with high ceilings.
Tube Preamps that work well with SS amps?
I'm looking for a tube preamp after years of strictly SS. My amps will remain SS. Which tube preamp(s) in your experience mated well with a SS amp? I'm trying to avoid the odd phenomenon where tube preamp + SS amp = slow, soggy sound in spite of benign impedance characteristics
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I’ve changed amplifiers, solid state as well as tube over the years and what has lasted in my system is the Cary Audio SLP-05 with the Ultimate Upgrade and Cardis Wiring. Hands down, the best I’ve owned and believe me I’ve owned some serious hi end SS & Tube Preamps. Check the reviews. Oh and if you want one of the baddest headphone amplifier from a preamp, look no further. Incredible with my Audeze LCD-4’s. https://www.stereophile.com/tubepreamps/906cary/index.html
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/is-the-cary-slp-05-still-relavant
https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/177419/tube-preamp-review-mcintosh-c500t-vs-cary-slp-05
https://www.hometheatershack.com/threads/cary-audio-slp-05-preamplifier-review.20652/ |
@twoleftears, Tube pres are more likely to have a higher output voltage that could be going into typically more sensitive ss amps; reducing the effective range of the volume control. Tube pres are less likely to have the balanced outputs that are more commonly found on ss amps than on tube amps. Tube pres are less likely to have DC coupled outputs which could protect ss amps from tube pre capacitor failure problems. |
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