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Tube Preamp/solid pwr amp or solid pre/ tube pwr

This is probably an old question but I dont see any threads. I presently have a CJ Tube Preamp/solid pwr amp which I quite like, but I am re-evaluating the whole setup since I picked up a pair of Nautilus 802s / Ayre CD player. It is obviously a matter of sound preference but I would like to get some views of what each setup would bring - pros and cons.
Appreciate it.
J.
johnmc67
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I am of the opinion that All tube all the way is the absolute best if soundstage and the 3D tube magic is what matters most. However unlike most others, my second choice is SS preamp for signal purity and bass extension then a Tube Power amp for the aforementioned tube effect. People never believe me but you really don't get much of the tube's magical sound using an SS power amp. It tends to flatten it. For those that think their tube pre sounds good with an SS power amp, just try a tube power amp and you will be amazed.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
Good set up, but a tube amp makes more of a difference. Don't get rid of your CJ. Maybe borrow a tube amp and really see (hear) if you like the difference. Remember, you like what you have now...and gas prices are going up. Best of luck
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
While as a general rule I would advocate for the ss preamp/tube power amp combination, in this case I think you may be asking the wrong question. The overriding question that should be asked, IMO, is what kind of power amplification, and what particular power amplifiers, would be the best match for the particular speaker.

I couldn't find impedance curves for the Nautilus 802. But if they are anything like the curves of the 802D or the Nautilus 801, the sound that is produced will vary dramatically depending on the output impedance and the drive capability of the particular power amplifier. With those impedance curves, among other differences tube amplifiers will give greater emphasis to the upper mid-range and lower treble, while solid state amplifiers will give greater emphasis to the mid-bass region. In addition, many amplifiers, especially some tube amplifiers, will have difficulty driving the speaker adequately in the deep bass region, due to the combination of low impedance and highly capacitive phase angles that is reached at some frequencies in that region.

So my feeling is that the initial question that should be asked and researched is what power amplifiers have users of the particular speaker found to be best.

Regards,
-- Al
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