2. amps-preamps
  3. 1261021553

tube pre amp plus solid state power amps?

HI there,
My systems have always been tube system all the way through phon stage + pre amp+ power amps, but recently I got a little tire of maintenance of these amps and thought about changing power amps to solid state. I listen classical music. I always love tube amp particular from my LP collection. I am worrying about using solid state power amp will loose the texture of the sound that I like. However, I have done a little reading, some one said high end power amps will keep that sound, especially something like McCormack DNA-500 and Claytons amps. There are some writing confuse me, such as: “it is not important to use tube phon stage, solid state will be better.” I even read the statement says: pre amp is the least important of the whole audio chain.”

Well, what I am thinking about is keep tube system for both my phon stage and pre amp, use solid state for power amps replace tube system. Does anyone can tell me this will be a good change, or I need either whole system on tubes or on solid state?

Thanks
suikang
mrmitch
359 posts
 
I've had no problem obtaining a rich, tube-like sound by using a Conrad Johnson PV-5 (heavily modified)tube preamp with a Belles 350A solid-state amp (not Reference). Mitch2 and others are right to bring the impedance matching info to your attention, heed them. I feel ( and its only my opinion) that the Belles amp has tube-like qualities, it's not analytical or edgy-sounding, and brings very good bass oomph to the otherwise rolled off bass qualities of the CJ preamp. The reason for the good bass is most likely the high damping factor of the Belles amp,but I'm sure there are other factors at play here, such as choice of cables and source components. The tube preamp with solid state amp combo may not give you 100% of the tube sound youre used to, but with prudent system matching, it can get very close......good luck in your search!--Mrmitch
suikang OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for everyone’s help. I learned so much from you guys. I need to think more about it. I know it is hard to talk about without knowing the system I have
Here is my system:
VPI Scott master turntable
Musicale fidelity A5 DC player
Bottle Head / seduction phonon stage (need to upgrade)
Cary 05 pre amp
Rogue 150 tube pre amp
Magneplanar MG IIIa

I learning mostly classical music. I don’t have much knowledge that most of you out there. I think my system many not well balanced. I think some point, I may need to update my phonon stage and power amp. I like the tube sound, may be I should stay within tube. Thanks for all the help
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
I always used that combination in the past because I could not afford a high powered tube amp. Recently I purchased a tube amp, they are much better to my ears.
I also have a tube pre and high quality SS. The difference is in your depth of listning. If you are going to get serious, you got to go all tubes; although tube SS is very good.
suikang OP
4 posts
 
thanks for all your input. I decided stay in tube for a while. however, I recently saw Pass Xono phono stage SS, wonder if will go well with my Carry 05 pre amp. I try to up date my phono stage, try to match Carry.
thanks
suikang OP
4 posts
 
more question about impedance . my Carry out impedance is 400K and my Rogue in impedance is 200K. is that Power amp incoming impedance should be higher?
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