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
 
A few serious technical facts...tubes glow, you can see into them, they make you feel good, and thus are better. You can't have too many tube devices in your system as there is no limit to how good and better you can get.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Problem with tube., A. half the NOS ones you buy as "testing great" are noisy and at end of life.
B. the other half are fake.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Schubert is correct about NOS, but don't let that scare you away from tubes. Current production is improving rapidly and if you must have NOS, buy directly from an established dealer and/or buy a tube tester.
wolf_garcia
6,696 posts
 
I've bought NOS tubes (and simply "new") from "thetubestore" where they have a no nonsense warranty, and are right on top of any issues...classy bunch there.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The tubestore, brent jesse, upscale (can be hit or miss), jim sautter, vintage tubes, are all reliable sources of tubes, NOS or otherwise.
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