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Introducing Tubes?

Hello gang!
Well, It's been said of my system that "you could use some tubes in there". So, here is what I have: McCormack UDP-1/ Lexicon MC8/Krell FPB400cx. Tyler Linbrook Signature System (1piece speaker).
The system started as a home theater set up, which for family reasons, I should keep. The Questions:
How could i add tubes to the setup for 2 channel listening? Just add a tube cd player? Add a cdp AND a tube pre amp? (The Krell will do the amplification. ) Would that be enough to get the "tube sound" that has been so often described here on Agon? (I've never used tube gear). What would be a good sounding tube CDP for a rookie tube guy? (around $1000 new or used) Suggestions and/or advice is welcome and appreciated.
Thanks so much.
paul
oldpet
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
I agree, a tube pre is the way to go. There are some jumpers/switches in the Krell that will need to set. Call Krell and they will fax or email you the instructions. It's easy and only takes five minutes.

All the Best

Allan
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
I personally favor Rogue Audio Magnum 99 tubed line stage.
It goes for around 1400$ used(no phono version).
newbee
4,768 posts
 
Paul, For less that 1K you can pick up a EAR 834L. This is a very basic, simple to operate, preamp using 3 tubes which have very very long life (5yrs at 24/7 +/-). Tonally it is much like your Tylers - smooth and musical, but not dull and boring. It is voiced very much like my ARC SP10II. I have used one in a secord system for about 5 years with zero problems. Tube rolling with this is cheap and easy, assuming you want to fiddle with the tubes.
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Newbee. I must commend you on your choice of the ARC sp-10 mk2 preamp sir,to this very day has be considered a giant in the high end preamp sweepstakes. Yes... the ear 834L is a decent little vacuum tubed preamp, it can also be tweeked with better parts and perhaps voiced with nos tubes.And for the money,it's certainly a good recommendation here as well. No offence here sir....."BUT".... comparing the voice of the 834 to the that of your sp-10 is a weeeee bit of a stretch. To be candid here...not even remotely close for that matter.
bluebull
269 posts
 
Oldpet
Cant really match a cheapie Tube Pre with a very serious ss amp like the Krell FB 400 cx.Krell has balanced inputs ,I'm shure.Atma-Sphere has tube pre's with balanced outputs,how that will work with the Krell,I don't know.Get a pre with high voltage output,then there shouldn't be a problem.I think you have to consider spending a bit more than $1000.Have read some nice comments about Joule-Electra as well.
Good luck.
Chris
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