Adding tube sound to my SS system


I have a question for the hive mind. I had the opportunity try a PS Audio BHK tube preamp in my system the other day (in between my LUMIN T2 and Luxman 509x bypassing the luxman preamp) and the vocals / midrange made my heart flutter and chills run up my spine. I heard life detail and nuance in the vocals that I didn’t with the Luxman preamp and sounded like the singer was in the room. But, it was lacking in soundstage, bass and so so recordings didn’t shine. The Luxman preamp made everything sound smoother and liquid but at the expense of some life in the midrange. I ultimately liked the sound without the BHK preamp better, But, that tube sound is intriguing and I’m looking for a way to add it into my system.

system is LUMIN T2->Luxman l509x->spendor D9.2

I keep the Luxman loudness on all the time. Maybe that says I like a fuller sound. i stream 99% of the time through Roon or airplay (tidal and my wife uses Spotify). The modern convenience of controlling volume from the phone is essential (this the LUMIN). Home theater runs through the HT bypass on the luxman. All kinds of music jazz, folk, rock, hip hop etc. simplicity has value over going fully separates. I’ve been trying to research streaming dacs that have a tube or streaming tube preamps but not really having any luck finding anything that fits the bill. Looking to upgrade the LUMIN as I love the aesthetic of the Luxman so it would be hard to part with but I’d do it if needed. Wondering if streamer to tube preamp to power amp is the only way to make it work. Budget is not too much more than my current gear and willing to buy used.

128x128trentgordon

I found the Yggdrasil to sound very good for the money but nowhere as good as a good quality $5K or higher DAC… it’s treble is unrefined and overall the sound is thin. But, it’s good for a budget DAC. 

@ghdprentice

I guess it just depends on your range of experience with various DAC’s. I relied on the opinions of all these experts with a wide range of experience - to select the Yggy, which I’ve found to be everything they reported it to be...

https://www.schiit.com/products/yggdrasil

It seems to have a "magical," rich, warm, yet detailed, resolved sound and soundstage (an almost analog sound) - that I don’t find in many DAC’s, other than pehaps, some of the better "ladder DAC’s."

But then... I was using the MC2 Zen ASU/EBU Digital cable (which is the best type of digital interface) into the ARC Ref 5se Tube Preamp - which may make a difference!

I have an Aesthetics Signature line preamp as well as an Aesthetics Signature phono preamp.  They are both tube preamps.  They feed into a couple of large Krell SS amps.You get that smooth warm sound of tubes and the great unlimited dynamic sound of the SS amps.

I am more of a novice on these things. I like using a tube preamp with a SS class A amp.

Now I am using a McIntosh 110z  preamp with a first watt j2 class A amp, spinning records on a thorns 124.. 

A very musical presence and quite a kick in the low ends.

If you need more power try a Threshold 400 A.

I suggest the OP could use a few more direct thoughts on what he experienced, which was that a switch in preamps provided engaging midrange but a lack of bass and soundstage...perhaps that means HF detail to pinpoint stereo image?

Keep in mind this may have nothing to do with tubes at all. Much of the sound quality of a component system comes from the relationship and synergy of the components.  

This is nowhere more true than the match between preamp and amp.  Impedance, how hot the signal is...very relevant stuff.  

Additionally, if the OP always has loudness on with his preamp, then either (1) he isn't actually that fond of its sound or (2) he listens at low volumes.

My suggestion:  try different preamps until you get an amp match (or I suppose vice versa - but I'm presuming the amp and speakers are a good match to eliminate variables). 

For example - you use the Lumin to control volume...try that directly to the power amp.  Not my jam -- I have found I strongly prefer an actual active preamp in my system -- but it is worth it to get a sense of what needs effort. 

See if you can borrow a couple other preamps. Or do the math and find one that matches the power amp. 

Finally, I have found that tube buffers are a bit more of a novelty than anything else - one thing to actual use tubes in the necessary circuitry, but a tube buffer really cannot do more than coloration.  At least the ones I am aware of - perhaps some help with component matching or similar (in which case put it b/w the pre- and the power amp). 

My bottom line is that being somewhat analytical about upgrade paths is going to help you get to your objectives faster than just pulling out the wallet or taking gear recommendations from posters with different systems, different rooms, and different ears. 

To me, matching gear is at least equally important to some perceived "gear quality" based on price or similar factors. Secondarily, people are constantly surprised at how toe-in (or not) on speakers, and adjusting front and rear feet on them, can make a massive difference.