2. amps-preamps
  3. 988063736

Need SS preamp that sounds like tube .

I love the tube sound, but I don't necessarily want the tubes. I currently run a CJ PV12. Does anyone have any ideas? My main problem is that auditioning is limited in my area. I am pretty confident that the SS CJ stuff will sound tube-like. But I don't even think there is a dealer in my area. Some needed information: run a Bryston 4B-ST for power, Meridian 508.24 for CD, some PMC FB-1 monitors for speakers, silver Audioquest cable all around. I would like to keep the damage under 5K. As for auditions in my area, I can probably find Bryston, Audio Research, Aragon, Meridian. Oh, I'm sure these stores are authorized dealers for a lot of stuff, but they don't carry some of the pricy brands in stock or as demo. Help would be appreciated.
argent
argent OP
245 posts
 
I am looking solely at tubes again. What convinced me?--actually I turned on my present system and just listened. I've decided that I just really love the CJ tube sound. Never harsh, never bright, always warm (at least in my system), and that is the sound I want. Probably this year I'll upgrade to newer CJ stuff (still looking to audition 17LS), then next year will be the fun part...speakers. :)
pcc
150 posts
 
I've tried tube pre and tube amp together, it was just to tubey for me(kelly if your out there can you check the spelling on tubey, not sure if I got it right.LOL) I and I state I prefer tube pre and solid state. I still get the tube sound with the power of ss. Like to try one of the big boyes but the big tube amps are way out of my price range. Last time I asked the wife if I could sell here truck to buy one, she threated to put a cart in the garage for me. The bat pre tube and ss amp I fell work great together and are in my range. pete
sedond
1,387 posts
 
pete, yure rite where i'm at now - i'm tryin' to conwince myself i need a pair of melos mat-1000 mono amps, which retailed for $10k/pair. even used, i dunno how the budget wood feel... but, as dekay sez - be careful 'bout woicin' an opinion - yer wotes will suffer - mine sure did! ;~)

doug s.

slowhand
610 posts
 
I replaced the Bryston 4B NRB that I used to have with an Audio Research 100.2 solid state amp and never looked back. I compared the 100.2 with the VT100mk2 tube amp amp the 100.2 sounded so good that I bought it. I am not saying that it sounded any better than the VT100mk2, but for much less money it came very very close. If you want the beauty of tubes without hassles, this is the amp for you. Be warned that this amp does not sound overly warm and tubey like some tube amps, but more neutral with great resolution like Audio Researches tube amps do. Good Luck!
kitch29
316 posts
 
"poxy moron", great! but what the heck is PRAT?
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