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
wolf_garcia
6,696 posts
 
I'm not sure my SS pre to tube amp sounds better or worse than any other well assembled gear pile, but I've been having so much fun with my rig I don't care. I'd love to get a tube preamp eventually but the ones I like (with balanced outs and ins) are in the 5 grand area (that Cary SLP O5 just seems friggin' BAD) so for now I'm fine with my trusty super clean Kavent S33. If my high frequency hearing ability has diminished (playing in loud bands for decades and being a "geezer newbie"...hmmm) I refuse to admit it as the people who hire me for live sound mixing may find it off-putting. Interestingly (to me anyway) many mastering techs, respected studio producers/engineers, speaker designers, and other sound pros are in my age group and doin' JUST FINE...whew...
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
I would have all confidence in utilizing Wolfie's pro skills!
(no concerts during a full moon lunar phase, tho)
mrmitch
359 posts
 
I can sympathize with Wolf, having played in rock bands locally in the tri-state area during the 60's and early 70's. My hearing in the high treble range is probably not what it once was.
wolf_garcia
6,696 posts
 
What is weird is I THINK I can hear fine...I dislike squeeky or shrill treble, I seem to be able to hear a full range of music, and if there is some high pitched something or other I can't hear I prefer not to hear it anyway. I do have that thing where I can't hear well when there's a lot of ambient racket and a "soft talker" is yammering at me.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
The drawback to tube pre's is that if/when a tube goes a pair of expensive speakers is probaly going with it.
At least my KEF's and Rega's did. RIP
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