The future of preamps

What is your definition of tube magic? Some people like myself prefer transparency and neutrality, I like the sound to be as close to the source as possible. Most of the magic is in the recording itself. The job of the system is to reproduce the recorded sound as faithfully as possible.

Atma-Sphere products are among the most transparent I have heard. Yet unlike many solid state components, they render a very life like presentation which I believe has always been a big advantage well designed tube circuits enjoy over solid state. They also expose bad recordings, but that is a trade off I will take any day. If by using the term "tubey" you mean warmth and coloration then Atma-Sphere products might not be for you.

It might be more to your benefit to seek out older Cary preamps like an SLP-98 or older Conrad Johnson preamps. These will provide a warm and somewhat syrupy sound that some people prefer. However, based on my experience they just sound warm and fat in comparison to highly transparent tube components. If you have the opportunity audition both types of preamps and hear the difference for yourself.

Disclaimer: I have been a very satisfied Atma-Sphere customer and am now an Atma-Sphere dealer.

Active preamp or bust! It is key to a well put together system!

Right on brother.

I have had 6h30 tubes before, LOL!, sounded to much like solid state

Many people say that about the 6H30 tube.

[quote]If by using the term "tubey" you mean warmth and coloration then Atma-Sphere products might not be for you.

I've never had the Atma pre-amps in my system, but thge M-60s were remarkable for thsir speed and transparency. I wish I never sold them.

Audiolabyrnith,
I am not certain what you imply by "tube magic" what attracts me to tube component is their musical honestly and thus a more natural and realistic sound. There are some tube components that seem to add a false warmth coloration and those types have never interested me. I don't care for most SS components as they tend to wash out the natural tone, body, bloom and vibrancy that exists in live music. The Atma-Sphere preamp along with the top echelon tube units just gets closer to the truth with less editorializing.

I don't know if this applies to you or not,but what many peopl here refer to as "neutral" SS sound is sterile, lifeless and artificial to me. YMMV is understood.
Charles,

Charlesdad +1 - Well stated. I look for the same thing in my gear - so far tubes give it the best. Well, at least in my experience.

Swampwalker,
You have a VAC Renaissance amplifier? I've always thought highly of those push pull 300b designs. You prefer the Atma-Sphere amplifier instead? Different flavors for sure, I can understand the appeal of either depending on a given system's desired character.
Charles,