Stumbed over my old post and thought I might actually respond/update. At the time I wrote this I had never owned a tube amp. I had only heard 2 both very high end and beyond my means. I eventually mated a YS Audio pre and also a CJ PV6 (kept rotating) to an ATI 1502 power amp. I also subbed in my old SAE 2900 pre/eq. After burn in I really have enjoyed it especially when using the tube pres. It does add a sound I like more that seems less edgy and bright as compared to the SS pre. I also at different times ahve subbed in my old Mcintosh MA5100 and old SAE pre and power amps. THe tube pre and ATI sound the best in terms of detail and some warmth. I still like the Mcintosh but tis underpowered...the warmth and color does not bother me. I am however now trying to figure out how best to upgrade as I have more $$ and the Mcintosh is showing signs of age AND I have upgraded cables and ICs for the 1st time so I seem to have the bug.
The interesting thing I saw here was the strong sometimes seemingly vitriolic debate over the sound of tubes, which noone seems to agree on, and the impact of the tube pre on SS power amps. I kind of dont care because what matters to me is whether I like teh sound or not...but it has been interesting, entertaining and informative. As somene new to higher end after not buying equipment for 20+ years it has helped so I appreciate it all. I wish on some days I didnt live in Hawaii becasue it would be great to hear a much broader range of equipment and go to true high end shops. That doesnt exist here so I ahve bought stuff unheard off the net. Dying to hear some of the big names here I keep hearing....Pass, Naim, ARC, CJ etc but generally not repped here so I will ahve to wait for a biz trip or vacation. Sitll thanx for all of you participating.
The interesting thing I saw here was the strong sometimes seemingly vitriolic debate over the sound of tubes, which noone seems to agree on, and the impact of the tube pre on SS power amps. I kind of dont care because what matters to me is whether I like teh sound or not...but it has been interesting, entertaining and informative. As somene new to higher end after not buying equipment for 20+ years it has helped so I appreciate it all. I wish on some days I didnt live in Hawaii becasue it would be great to hear a much broader range of equipment and go to true high end shops. That doesnt exist here so I ahve bought stuff unheard off the net. Dying to hear some of the big names here I keep hearing....Pass, Naim, ARC, CJ etc but generally not repped here so I will ahve to wait for a biz trip or vacation. Sitll thanx for all of you participating.