Not to confuse the issue, but I'm going to say right now, I've heard tube preamps recently (specifically BAT & VTL) that sound very close to my solid state Pass X1.
MY BAT VK31SE does not sound at all like tube preamps I've heard locally at hi end dealers over the years (most notably conrad johnson).
My BAT equalled my XI everywhere except soundstage width, and bass. I just bought a Pass XP-10 that beats them both.
I sold my X1 & soon I'll sell the BAT.
I'm continually surprised anyone would want tube maintenance issues on a tube piece that sounds so close to solid state.
I am familiar with tubes in my systems. I've owned Dynaco and Cary, and I really liked my Rocket 88 (original version) and my CAD300SEI.
MY BAT VK31SE does not sound at all like tube preamps I've heard locally at hi end dealers over the years (most notably conrad johnson).
My BAT equalled my XI everywhere except soundstage width, and bass. I just bought a Pass XP-10 that beats them both.
I sold my X1 & soon I'll sell the BAT.
I'm continually surprised anyone would want tube maintenance issues on a tube piece that sounds so close to solid state.
I am familiar with tubes in my systems. I've owned Dynaco and Cary, and I really liked my Rocket 88 (original version) and my CAD300SEI.