Tube Preamps Should Have This Feature

zlone

Yesterday, I listened to some favorite music at a friends warmed up tube system with his new to him tube preamp. Sounded great, different and we both think better than before, AND he got remote volume and remote balance, Oh Happy Day. That will make anything sound better!

Came home, warmed my system up, did a few things, listened to same music on my warmed up system. Heard great music and the differences of our systems.

Tomorrow, friend coming, I’m gonna wait till he’s settled, turn the system on, wait 2-3 minutes, play the same music (he is also familiar with that music played on my warmed up system), it should be interesting.

the point is, OP said ’casual listening for short time". It’s the content! A special feature ... no way.

Saving on groceries to buy more tubes is a great idea. What if the man already does it ? And what if his reasons have nothing to do with expenses ?

Don’t know about other amps, in the case of my VAC it s advised to give it at least ten minutes to stabilize before listening and forty five minutes is ideal. But it is integrated amp, with power tubes too. Still I would think at least ten minutes for a preamp.

I went with Class A and personally, I don't miss the tubes. I can listen immediately and it warms up in just minutes anyway. Hot even, but not as bad as tubes. You also can up the power for much less cost.

I might get hate mail for saying this, with comments including that Class A doesn't sound like tubes. Which I agree with, they don't sound the same, but I also don't miss tubes. YMMV of course.

Tubes done right have a certain 'glory' in presentation, I don't think it can be replicated by transistors. It is felt in addition to heard.

And speaking of tube power, with the right amp/speakers match, those 60 ultraliear watts that I get feel like more than double. 

Passive mode is by far the worst  for an active gain stage ,you are using the power 

supplies and soundstage imaging and dynamics are better.

The $1k Schiit Freya + is very good for the money,

but not in the league  of  a Aesthetix , or Linear Tube Audio preamp  a truly good

preamp is much better built in every. Respect and is a fully  active gain stage preamp.