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Tubed Pre question?

Which configuration gives better ALL around good/great sound for a lot of types of music?

Tubed Pre-Amp paired with solid state? or maybe Tubed Pre-Amp with a tube amp, or a Tube Pre-Amp paired with a hybrid amp (tube input, SS output)...

(Yes.. I already own a tubed pre..)

Which combo regardless of different brands sounds juuust right in your opinion?

I am sure I'll get all types of responses. BUt that's what I want. I'm 38 years old and I listen to mostly live music of the likes of the Grateful Dead(Live Recordings/Soundboards/Studio Albums) Allman Brothers, jam bands..etc.. but I also like The Blues, old time rock-n-roll, hard rock is cool w/me..(older AC/DC, Guns-n-Roses..many others) I like Jazz too..(Sonny Rollins is excellent imo.), original punk, good 1980's/90's pop tunes etc.. BUT I am also open to new GOOD music that may some along in any genre..

Again.. which configuration would sound juuust right in your opinion?

thanks!
gr8tfuljeff
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Beginning with all solid state separates, I moved to a tubed preamp with SS power amp. Afterwards, I purchased a tubed power amp and prefer the overall sound of tubed preamp with tubed power amp. As mentioned in previous two posts. there are no fast answers and a lot of considerations with all equipment when it comes to matching and synergy issues and, most of all, a sound that you find pleasing to your ears!
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I've used several different combos:SS/SS,Tube/SS,Tube/hybrid,SS/Hydrid,SS/tube and tube pre/tube amp.My opinion is that the all-tube set-up gives me what I am looking for.Mating the tube amp/speaker should be given much care.If you get that combo wrong,you're in for trouble and won't be happy.YMMV.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
From the music you list I say tubed pre & SS amp for fast powerful bass. Musicslug has the money thing spot on!!
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree with Tpsonic, all tube is the way to go, assuming your speakers are up to the task. I've used many different combo's in the last 30 years or so, I would say that for the most part I went tube preamp/ SS amp. However, after diving into the tube preamp/ tube amp camp a couple of years ago, I can't see myself going backwards.

Of course, I also prefer vinyl to digital.....so I may be the crazy one.

Cheers,
John
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,502 posts
 
I'm in Tgrisham's camp for the most practical solution for most people..

There is no right answer but I think tube pre and good SS amp can deliver all the goods in more applications more cost effectively and more reliably over time than can all tubes.

All tubes will cost more and have more limited application depending on speakers and will also probably require more maintenance over time than many might be comfortable with.

A few carefully placed tubes is a cheaper and easier way to go.

Not to say that some of the best sounding systems out there may well be all tube systems.
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