@hershey2010 I have been wondering the same thing about my system. Currently running both SS pre and amp but was wondering in going with a tube amp. I really like the idea having best of both worlds I would think to start of that route is to go with a tube pre with a SS amp.
amplifiers tube vs. solid state
Hello all,
i have a mark levinson 380s solid state preamp. kef 205 reference floor standing speakers and a meridian g08 player. also a mission 775 turn table for my record collection.
Im seriously thinking of taking out my existing ARC sd125 solid state and replacing with a tube amplifier. looking a the ARC reference 110.
Just dont know how a tube amplifier will fit in with my solid state preamp.
Joe
- ...
- 9 posts total
Not sure of ur budget, but the Berning inspired Linear Tube Audio might be your ticket. As to reliability I think that thee late great Tim de Pavaracini said that power tubes have a great lifespan. I spoke to him and he said 300B's should be used in a push-pull configuration - never single ended - yes they can sound good but it kills those tubes. I just nodded along - frankly i have never understood amp topology properly save to say i know it from the blurb but can't build a circuit myself.
|
It depends on what the “best of both worlds” is. The good tube pre amps range from low distortion to tubey, and I mainly got rid of sibilance when I went from an 80s SS pre to a 90’s tube pre. If one like tube distortion, then that is a different path than I was going down. So it takes some understanding of what is the desired outcome, and what equipment gets on there.
I am not sure that the OP’s ML preamp is going to improve with a tube pre. It could be a sidestep. Both would seem from the glance to not be in great need of upgrading. |
- 9 posts total