Tube sound with no tubes

Maybe there's something wrong with your pre-amp. Pre-amp tubes do not fail often -- they usually last about 10,000 hours, I think. Before you give up the tube pre-amp, maybe you should check it out. I've had mine for several years with no tube failure.

I have to agree with Ontjesr and the others above. I had a McIntosh 6900 SS integrated amp. Sold it to get the McIntosh 2275 tubed integrated amp. For my ears, big difference in sound - tubes over solid state. The bonus plan is that with the 2275, unless one is using the phono section, the sound depends only on a pair of 12AT7's and not on any of the other (4) tubes. As such, I'm running Telefunken 801S 12AT7's - glorious sound.

Assuming most miniature tubes (heck even larger 6SN7, etc.)could last up to 12,000 when new, if you listen 10 hours a week, you will have a tube failure every 28 years.

I would try conrad johnson. They are very good at replicating or coming close to tube sound with their ss designs. But really what is the problem with a tubed pre? The tubes last a very long time and have non of the heat or maintenance / cost issues associated with tube amps.

I have also have a tubed pre (cj) and have never had any issues with it.

Perhaps I'm too cynical but when folks say a SS piece 'sounds like tubes' I assume that it has a dark tone, is closed in, and in fact sounds nothing like tubes.

Conversely, when someone sez that a tube piece sounds like SS it is unduly emphasizing the upper-mid range and highs to maximize its stereo imaging capabilities, and if fact sounds nothing like SS.

I'll spare you my opinion of what tubes sound like.......:-)But if you really want to hear tubes you've got to buy them. There's no free lunch.