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Where do the tubes go?

I have so far been a solid state guy, but I am looking into another system, and I would like to give tubes a try.

1. Would most people recommend an all tube system, or do you recommend starting with only a tube component or two.

2. What are the relative merits and disadvantages of placing tubes at various stations in a system CD-->pre amp --> amp ?

For instance, I have read that some people feel that that the micro-distortion (pleasing though it may be) is excessively magnified if started at a source component then magnified through a bunch of high power solid state electronics. Others have advocated that having tubes early in your system gives the tube sound quality and allows for higher power, lower maintenance/heat solid state amplifiers.

For the tube experienced, how where should I start integrating tubes? (starting a new system so disregard concerns of mating to existing equipment).
aceofhearts
gpgr4blu
1,085 posts
 
I have never had a tubed source, but I've had tubed pres with ss amps and vice versa. I'm most comfortable with tubed pre and amp, but if you have been all ss and want to experiment by dipping your toe in the water, go with a tubed pre as it will have less tube impact. But a tubed amp and ss pre will provide more of what the tube devotees hear.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Dan, that was very well said and I agree with your thoughts concerning SET amplifiers. In my experience tube power amps contribute a greater change than just going with a tube preamp(though this is not a bad choice by any means). Get a speaker that mates well with a tube ampand I believe you`ll be pleased.
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,617 posts
 
My system is tubed from source to amps,and as Charels1 said the amp has the biggest impact.The speaker/amp matching is vital.I like the flexibility of changing out tubes here and there to improve the performance,no need to swap equipment.Good luck in your search!
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Tube power amps can open the door to "even harmonic" slam and are often interesting to look at. I like a seemingly unadulterated, clean as possible SS Class A balanced preamp signal into a tube power amp as that combo seems to work for me, and gives me all the tube rolling I need. Get a transistor and put it next to a tube...note the differences...small dead looking black silicon plug with tiny things in it you can't see, or large glass object with soul and possible craftsmanship you CAN see. Meaningless maybe, but tubes are simply cool and hot at the same time.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree with the above responses, in my experiences tubes have the most impact on the sound when working from the speakers backwards. In other words, a tube amp will give you more tube 'flavor' than a tube preamp or tube source. Now a tube amp also usually requires more maintenance than line level tube products, which is why many use a tube preamp or source with solid state amp.
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