2. amps-preamps
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What is a better route, tube or SS preamp?

Hi everyone! I recently unloaded all of my home theatre gear, and am concentrating on a 2 channel stereo system. So far I have a shanling cd-80, a naim 150 amp, Martin logan aerius loudspeakers, and a carver ct-17 preamp. I'm looking to replace the preamp, however, I'm not sure wether I should go solid state or tube. I know I need to demo some of both, but I wanted some opinions or if anyone has prior experience in this matter. Right now my amp is a SS and my cd has tube output. Everything sounds pretty good, but I want it to sound great!
Also, I will mostly be listening to a lot of hard rock and heavy metal, but also a lot of classic rock as well..
Lastly, I am aware of the amp input impedance and preamp output impedance ratio for both tube and SS. Is there anything else I should consider when pairing an amp and preamp?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks everyone!
bstevens
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Nice post Syntax,I`ve evolved over the years and have come to the same conclusion.Eventually most listeners will discover what satisfies their own ears best.
Regards,
wolf_garcia
6,696 posts
 
Also, tube amps and their owners are more fun. Clearly.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
They way to go tubes is tube amp and tube preamp. 2.. tube amp ss preamp. The tube amp will make the biggest difference, however both components being tube is better. I've tried SS amp w/ Carver C-1 pre, tube amp to the Carver, (better) ss amp to tube pre, and tube amp to tube pre. You have to make sure input and output impedences are a good match. Always get matching tubes and 1 or 2 full back up sets. It's just part of the price of better sound. Then again, if you like what you have now...
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Nonsencical my butt, acoustic music requires ambience retrival that rock doesn't even have.
bstevens OP
1 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your input! All of it was extremely helpful, and I really appreciate it!
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