A little tube magic?


I’m looking for some ideas and impressions. I’d really like to run tubes for amplification, but my system pulls double duty for music and tv. It is on probably about 8 hours a day for one or the other.  This just seems like to much to me for running tubes. I’m looking for a way to be able to keep my solid state setup but add tubes in a manner I can switch them in and out. I have couple of ideas but I am aware neither is very ideal. 
First I thought I could add a tube preamp or maybe even buffer in the tape loop of my McIntosh C46. I know this will add more complexity for the signal to pas through. I’m not sure if I can expect gains that will be better that what I lose by adding extra cables and components.

My second idea would be to add a tube power amp on some sort of switch, something similar the the Shiit SYS. Which is basically a passive preamp with two inputs and a potentiometer. I’ve read that can use it backwards kind of and have the output be the input and run the two inputs to two different amps and then switch between the two. I would think I’d need two sets of speaker cables to make this work, and switch them back and forth as needed. I’m not really fond of either idea and hope there may be a solution I’m unaware of. I really just want tubes for music and ss for tv if it’s possible.  
A third option would be to get a tube dac for music listening, but I’m unsure if I’ll be able to get the amount of tube sound I’m after. I guess I could see it as part of the solution along with tubes in the pre or power amp as well. 
Any thoughts or ideas would be much appreciated. 
brylandgoodman

Showing 1 response by wsptcl

I currently have a C50 with a 452 McIntosh amp. I use the tape/processor loop with a Yaqin tube buffer, utilizing Psvane UK-6SN7 tubes. Wanted a way to warm up or smooth out the digital verse the great sound of our analog sources. This set-up works, and what is nice is the ability to either have the tubes or not with the push of a button on the preamp. I am always looking for a better tube buffer, but to date I have not found one that is both in budget and is the right size for my limited space. I also like the 6SN7 tubes over the 12AX7's, sounds better to my ears. Also many options for rolling.
 With your C46 you should have the same results, while not spending big money. Good luck and enjoy the music.