2. amps-preamps
  3. 1249608157

Any point in adding tube preamp to SS integrated?

I have a Classe CAP 101 integrated amp which has no amp in inputs. Would it make any sense to add a tube preamp via the tape in input? the amp drives B&W floorstanding speakers (CDM9NT)and sounds pretty good, but I'd like a little tube magic. This is a second system for me, and I'm used to tubes in my main system. Also, if anyone has speaker wire recommendation for this set up, plse advise; currently using Kimber 4TC and was thinking of trying Speltz anti-cables.....thx in advance for any assistance....
halbrian
elevick
2,636 posts
 
A tube DAC or tube phono pre would get you that tube "magic".

I like 4tc's. The only reason I see to get rid of them is to change personality, ie nordost flatline is no better but may have better high freq. resolution???
newbee
4,767 posts
 
IMHO, you won't hear much 'tube magic', whatever that is, by adding a tube pre-amp ahead of the CAP101. What it will do, and it may be a good thing, is allow you to assert some influence on the tonal balance by using different tubes in the pre-amp and tune it to your sonic preference. I assume (but do not know) that the CAP's line stage is passive. If that is so the pre-amp might add a bit of drive/energy to the sound as well. You can use the tape in, or for that matter, any of its inputs (other than a phono phono input if it has one).
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