Tube or solid state

There has to be 100 threads on this already, search archives....

Count me in with those preferring tube-tube signal path. In context of the OP topic, I’d go transistor-tube rather than tube-transistor. In reality you can enjoy success with either option. However, I agree with larryi in that the tube amplifier provides more of the “ tube” effect/influence than a tube preamplifier.

My preference assumes compatible speakers with a good tube amplifier. Some speakers are designed with the intended partnering with transistor amplifiers. 

Charles

One thing to have in mind is that many tubed preamps have a high output resistance requiring careful matching with some ss power amps. Otherwise any combination can be successful, depending on speaker, but i have to agree that generally tube sound is more evident with tubed power amps. 

 

A more thorough answer

Tubes/SS: Only one tubes, Other SS: which one tubes = best choice?

My Answer: Tube Preamp into SS Amp.

Yap, Yap, Yap, but I have done each combo and you asked.

First, let’s add the consideration of the phono stage, in preamp or separate, tube or SS.

I’ve been happy with each combo, but thoroughly happy with tube/tube with tube preamp’s phono. (current setup, with very efficient vintage horn speakers).

Budget, Love of existing speakers, and WAF (or mate’s AF) are involved, but you could change the speakers to more efficient ones to go tube/tube now or someday. Efficent Speakers is always my advice for a new setup.

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I had three setups for a few years, all these efficient horn speakers.

1. tube amp mono blocks (Fisher 80AZ, 1958),

2. Tube Fisher Receiver (Fisher 500C, 1964)

3. SS preamp (McIntosh SS C28) into McIntosh SS Amp (MC2250).

Three sets of matching speaker wire, color tape, easy to reach colored bananas to switch.

CD/LP/R2R. Sgt. Pepper; Everyone chose LP over CD; everyone chose R2R over LP (even though R2R had the most S/N noise).

Next R2R thru SS or Tubes. Always R2R Tubes/Tubes over SS.

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Currently Vintage Tube Preamp (McIntosh mx110z ) with it’s Phono, to modern Tube Amp (Cayin A-88T) to Vintage Horn Speakers.

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I’ve been happy with each combo, but thoroughly/most happy with this vintage tube tuner/preamp tuner(McIntosh mx110z); into fairly modern tube amp (Cayin A-88T), into these vintage (1958 efficient horn speakers).

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If new, I always recommend efficient speakers so Tubes can be used/tried someday now or someday.

Resultant lower powered equipment offers not just lower price, but also smaller/lighter/more choices of location (especially if remote control is involved).

My experience would suggest (along with most of the above) that if you are looking for  classic “tube” sound, the tube amp is more influential than a tube preamp. I believe you can get great sound going either way, and there is no single right answer. My experience would also suggest that auditioning gear in your room, with your system with your ears is much more important that reading reviews online. Early on I fell into the trap of buying gear based on reviews. EVERY time I was underwhelmed, because only I knew what I was really trying to achieve in my home. And there is such a thing as system synergy.