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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
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.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
For someone who is not familiar with tube components and their issues, the best place to start is with a tubed pre-amp (IMHO).

However if you're up to getting the most/biggest differences from using tubes, a tubed CD source (or phono pre-amp for that matter) or, especially, amp is best. The source is easiest, just like a pre-amp. It is closer to maintenance free. But an amp is not for the faint hearted. It takes some knowledge in selection and maintenance to make it work for you. The lazy need not apply! :-)

Personally, I would, and for that matter do, use a tubed pre-amp and tubed amp matched to speakers which are easy for a tube amp to drive. My sources are selected independent of the ss/tubed issue and I can enjoy both. A good tubed integrated can also be an excellent choice. I've used them successfully for all but the most demanding 'audio' situations.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
I bought a new factory upgraded Jolida 502P for a little over a grand, it requires almost zero maintenance (you don't HAVE to tube roll, and the bias adjustment screws are easy to get to on the top of the amp), and sounds fabulous right out of the box. RCA and XLR ins, 4 and 8 ohm speaker outs...all user friendly. Don't be frightened...it's easy...come on in...
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