Tube or SS for Vocals/Strings

How 'bout a tubed linestage and a single ended solid state. I forgot who, but just read a small blurb on one of their amps called, I think, the F2 in Dec05 stereophile. Reasonably priced too if I recall.

Marco seems offended by the characterization of differences in sound as distortion, but if not for distortion doesn't it follow that all systems would sound identical to the source. He happens to prefer the distortion tubes introduce, and given that not all tube amps yield the same distortion, he happens to prefer the distortion of particular tube amps, and some would suggest further particular amps with particular tubes, transformers, capacitors, resisters, and so forth.

That there is a predisposition on Audiogon to write as though tubes and vinyl are a panacea to achieve good sound seems obvious from the posts, thus the offending kneejerk comment.

I think the OP needs to listen for himself to select the distortion he prefers, not the distortion I or Marco might prefer -- I also love baroque music, especially that of Corelli.

db

Hey Jax,

I normally listen at moderate levels. this setup will obviously be not used for any video. However, I am wondering if a REL Stampede will add to the setup for depth and perceived loudness especially on rock and electronic tracks. I wonder If that will give me the best of both worlds?

The F2 I believe is the First Watt designed by Nelson Pass. The First Watt amps are getting very good press here and elsewhere. The Aleph J looks interesting as well.

Nope, not offended at all, but thanks for your concern.

I'll take your supposition a bit further: you can view any and all reproduction of an accoustic performance in a specific space as "distortion", from the very moment the sound travels away from the source. It will never be a "true" reproduction of the performance no matter what system/listening room combination you prefer. It is all relative. I took no offense at your using the word "distortion". I simply think defining the different forms of amplification by what type of distortion they are more prone towards, is, for the most part, well, silly! It's all distortion...why do you need to make that the operative distinguishing factor? As I said, I'd agree with your suggestion for anyone seeking out system components that suits them for their specific preferences make their own decisions using their own ears (they can't borrow mine anyway), in their own listening space. Obviously I see nothing silly about someone asking advice from others who may have similar tastes as you, and have had experience over many years with the subject they are asking advice on. So my question to you would be the same as the question that arose when I read your first post: what point, exactly, are you trying to make? Yep, there are a whole bunch of people who like the sound of tubes, and a whole bunch who get a hard-on over vinyl? Soooooooooooo? There's also a vastly larger majority of folks who buy their sound reproducing gear at Circuit City and Best Buy and couldn't care one wit about any of this. I presume that none of that has anything at all to do with the reason for Baroque_lover to ask their question in this particular forum. You seem to be warning them off tubes and now vinyl like they were in jeapordy of getting some disease from giving them a try. I've seen no such predispositions towards tubes here. Instead I've observed many folks in both camps, and those in between. I've observed lots of large egos that seem to be attached to personal choices, as well as those with no attachments. I've occasionally observed what's occured to me as really bad advice, as well as repeated sage advice from some members. I'll give those posting and reading here the benefit of the doubt that they can sort it all out for themselves and draw their own conclusions. It seems to me you are suggesting that every post should run with a bold disclaimer reading something like: "The following post contains some views which are only one person's opinion on the subject and should not necessarily be held as ultimate truth in the matter at hand..." I think most folks can figure that one out.

Marco