Tube Pre/ Class D Amp - Who has done it?


Open forum for those who have actually tried this.  Really curious to know who has been happy, or maybe unhappy, with a tube preamp driving a Class D amplifier?

Of course, tube pre with a solid state amp is a classic pairing for hard to drive speakers, especially ESL's.   This is a little different.   I'm really curious to know what pres and Class D amps have had great synergy.

erik_squires

I have been using various combinations of tube pre / Class D amps over the last 7 or so years. Rogue RP-7 (really nice for the cost), ARC Ref 6SE (hard/aggressive), currently Backert Labs Rhythm now upgraded to v1.4. Amps - LSA Voyager GAN 300 (just OK), Bel Canto Ref1000 monos (rolled off HF), currently AGD Tempo upgraded to the current version. The shimmer, finesse, and depth of detail and imaging of the Maggie/AGD/Rhythm without any sharpness is quite addictive.  

I got a pair of LRS+ a few months ago (yes, I use a sub) and while the AGD drives them pretty well I thought I would try a higher powered amp because of their inefficiency. So I tried a pair of Orchard Starkrimson Ultra Premium LPS mono blocks. They definitely had the juice to drive them but I didn't perceive an actual improvement in sound, so I returned them. I gotta say Leo is a great guy and was very helpful. 

So I just ordered a Bryston 3B3. Reviews say it is extremely smooth and detailed, against a black background, with significant power reserves. And supposedly has great synergy with Maggies. If it works as reviewed I will be leaving the Class D camp. If not it will be going back and I will be sticking with my AGD. 

That has been my journey in amplification over the last maybe 7 years. 

I was using an Icon Audio LA4 MKII SIG. with a Hypex Nilai for the last few months. It's pretty good for the money. I used some overly "warm" DIY preamps with other class D modules in the past that were kinda cool with certain music. 

I found the Nilai to be fine with solid state as well. I've enjoyed messing with Class D the last couple years but I'm taking a break from it. 

@j-wall if you don’t miss the heat I’m not sure that OTL’s are the way to go. Although it is nice to listen in your skivvies during the winter. In all seriousness though, I think they should match up nicely with your Allnic. Just be sure your speakers are a good match as well. Whether you’re missing anything now is something only you can answer.

My AUDIO-GD HE1 XLR 10 tube preamp with the Peachtree GAN-1 is a match that makes music sound Real..Beautiful Synergy !..Love it with Any speakers I throw at it. ...From KLH Model 3's to Borresen X-3's....I love my system .

I have been running a McIntosh C220 pre (actually a tube hybrid) with an Arion Audio S-500 class D amp for almost 6 years now.  Very happy with the synergy.  I get a touch of tube warmth (with Mullard reproduction tubes) and plenty of clean, detailed power.  No interest in any upgrades.