One thing I can say for sure, the new tube amp makes one of my Claude Bolling CDs sound fantastic compared to my solid state receiver. It was one disk that I always wished was recorded better and it turns out that the tube amp was the key. Possibly something to do with being an originally analog recording. Very fun.
Digital Source with Tube Amplification
For perspective, I will be turning 36 next week so I didn't grow up listening to vinyl and have never really experienced tube amplification. I am getting a Yaqin EL34 tube integrated in the next couple of weeks and my dad thought it would be fun to use his vintage turntable as a source for a true analog listening experience. Logistics will likely make this difficult as we live states apart.
This discussion made me wonder what other peoples experiences have been using different combinations of gear. On the analog end you have a turntable and tube amplifier and on the digital end you have a CD player and a solid state amplifier.
I am curious if the people that prefer the analog systems enjoy the sound of a turntable with a solid state amplifier or a CD player with a tube amplifier more. Is one combination more analog sounding than the other in your experience?
Obviously, every experience and system is different so I am just looking for general observations based of your experiences.
This discussion made me wonder what other peoples experiences have been using different combinations of gear. On the analog end you have a turntable and tube amplifier and on the digital end you have a CD player and a solid state amplifier.
I am curious if the people that prefer the analog systems enjoy the sound of a turntable with a solid state amplifier or a CD player with a tube amplifier more. Is one combination more analog sounding than the other in your experience?
Obviously, every experience and system is different so I am just looking for general observations based of your experiences.
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- 32 posts total
I don't think it has much to do with the fact that it is an analog recording but the pedigree of the the SS receiver as there are quite a few out there that can bring out the best in a CD. Also, the tube amp you have is most certainly imparting a bit of tube flavor to smooth out the digital artifacts of the CD that are being highlighted by the receiver. This is not to knock the receiver but to point out what others have been posting all along: there are way too many variables involved to able to say anything definitively, or even in general, as say, a rule of thumb. Here is something that won't clear things up but rather, add another perspective:http://6moons.com/audioreviews/psaudio7/perfectwave.html. You don't have to read the whole review, just the first few pages to get an idea of how a CDP isn't really all that digital after all. The deeper you go into this hobby, the more you'll come across the same tracks but from a different direction. The good thing about it is the end of the path is always were it should be. Enjoy and all the best, Nonoise |
The interesting thing about the Claude Bolling CD is that it is fairly unique in my collection because it is one that I've always wished had a better recording when my system did wonders with the majority of my music. I'm not judging all tube or solid state gear based on my two pieces of equipment, but it's becoming very clear that the Yaqin integrated is far superior to the Integra receiver. I'm sure it's a combination of the differences between tubes and solid state, integrated vs. receiver, and a host of other factors. What I can say is that this tube amp would make my next choice a lot more difficult because I'd have more options to consider. |
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