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Going Tubing

Greetings!

I would like to introduce some tubes into my two channel set up.

I currently have a solid-state preamp and a solid-state power amp. (And a separate, hybrid tube phono stage.)

I am wondering, conceptually, staying with separates, if it would be better to switch the preamp to a tube preamp, or if it’s better to change the power ramp to a tube power amp. With “better” in this case I mean would have bigger impact on, for a lack of a better description, “tube sound.”

(I realize there are other considerations, such as having enough power to drive my speakers, but here I’m talking about conceptually, which part of these two audio chain components would have the most impact on the sound if switching one of them from ss to tube.)

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bimmerlover's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
bimmerlover OP
41 posts
 

Thanks again for all insights.

 

The Schiit Freya + certainly sounds interesting, and has been recommended by at least a couple of people in this thread.

What is this knowledgeable group’s opinion of the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premiere and the PrimaLuna Evo 300 preamps?

mashif
239 posts
 

+1 LTA Microzotl. I bought a used MZ2 and couldn't be happier. I was lucky in getting one of the last ones made, and the circuit board looks more like the MZ3. It's just a beautiful open sound, amplified by a SS amp. It's my first foray into tube home audio and maybe my last. I don't know what more I could want than this sound. 

missioncoonery
1,215 posts
 

Tubes???,,,With the hassle of tubes, the expense,the coloration of sound,maintenance ,,on and on...add the fact that Solid state gear has equaled if not surpassed tube gear in about everything sonically..why consider the move? 

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,653 posts
 

 

@missioncoonery
"Opinions are like A-holes. Everybody’s got one and everyone thinks everyone else’s stinks."

waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
951 posts
 

I have tried to walk away from tubes many times and always wind up coming back. For some of us, there is no solid state gear to be found that can match the presentation of tubes, regardless of what the skeptics say. The only way to know is to listen for yourself.

A tube preamp with a good solid state amp is a way to go, although don't overlook the possibility of a great tube integrated, which will save you some money on cables and give you a simplified set-up. 

Have fun!

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