2. amps-preamps
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Adding tubes to SS system-Tube Preamp Amp or Int?

After reading up on tube gear, I am intrigued to try out tubes for the first time in my 2-channel system. As of right now, it is all solid state - I recently got hold of a Parasound JC2 preamp and A21 amp.

I'd like to incorporate something 'tubey' in there just to see for myself what the sound will be like. I am totally new to this, so I dont know where to begin. But I know that I only want to buy a single component for now, so...

Do you folks have an opinion on whether it would be 'better' in any way to use a tube preamp connected to the Parasound A21 amp vs a tube amp connected to the Parasound JC2 preamp? For those of you that love tubes, which method do you think would give you more of the 'tube sound'?

Another consideration - my JC2 is setup with an HT bypass, but since I am not using HT in this system yet, I am thinking it might be a neat option to find a tube preamp, send it through the JC2 bypass directly into the A21 amp. That way, there will be no needed movement of cables (connecting/disconnecting) in order to utilize both the solid state and tube components.

If those are both just bad or suboptimal choices, maybe I'll just look for an integrated tube amp? But again, I want to leave it at one component for now. Just want to start limiting my choices to one of the 3.
nnck
trelja
3,223 posts
 
Agree 100% with The Doctor and the gentleman who introduced us, Sufentanil.

I don't care where you put tubes in the system, in how many places, or how many tubes you have, you won't get that tube sound unless and until you have tubes in the power amplifier section.
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
"could someone explain in a bit more simplistic terms what I need to look for in order for it to match with the JC2 preamp and whatever speakers I eventually choose?"

That's a sensible question. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way. Trying to match a tube amplifier with whatever speaker you eventually choose is impractical at best. Speakers range widely in their compatibility with tubes. Above all else, try to narrow your choice of speakers to those offering a benign impedance. You can save a bundle on your tube amplifier by doing so.
nnck OP
17 posts
 
Ok. Then what is considered a 'benign' impedance? Also, are there any other general rules I should be aware of? What about the sensitivity of the speakers vs the power of the tube amplifier?

I know there wont be any 'absolute' rules. But how about some places to start for someone that really doesnt know much about it.
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
There are many members who can better answer your question, and I hope they will. That being said, you would like your tube amplifier to see as flat an impedance curve as possible, preferably remaining above 6 ohms and definitely not dipping below 4 ohms. Keeping your efficiency above 90 hz or more, depending on your amp, will also help. These are very general guidelines.
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
I should also have said that every 3 db variance in a speaker's efficiency results in either a halving or doubling of the power required to maintain the same volume level.
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