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If you had to choose: tube amp or tube pre-amp?

So I've been on the market for a tube pre-amp, and would also like to upgrade my amp as well but I was wondering?

Upgrade to a tube amp or tube pre first?

I'm using an old Sony V444ES running the pre-outs to a 2-channel B&K amp (reference 125.2). If more details on my other components (dac, Upsampler, etc.) or speakers will help, let me know and I would be happy to list.
hockey4496
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Generally speaking, if you are trying to chose between an amp and a preamp, I would definately say get the preamp first. Not only that, but the preamp is so important to get right, I would buy the best one I could afford, even if it means you have to buy lesser amp and/or wait.
josefm
53 posts
 
I would say spring for the tube preamp first since you already have a decent amp.
The efficiency of your speakers would need to be closely matched a tube amp type ( P-P, SET, etc.).
zaphodbeeblebrox
78 posts
 
I think I would go with a tube Pre-Amplifier first.

I say this because of the way Tube Hybrid Amps are made with the Pre section being tube and the amplifier section being Solid State.

I do not think i have seen it the other way around.
arh
366 posts
 
Your speakers would be helpful. If you are set on your speakers I would get a power amp first and then later a preamp If you tell us what your speakers are you will get recommendations for related amplification
Alan
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
It depends on your speaker. If your speaker is compatible with tubes I`d go tube power amplifier if your goal is tube sonic attributes. The tube preamp won`t have the same influence and the SS amp presence will be known(ok if that`s what you want).
Regards,
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