2. amps-preamps
  3. 192822-108038

Adding a tube amp is a good idea?

Dear all, 

Hope your 2025 is off to a good start! I am thinking about adding a tube amp. Particularly Audio Research ref S80. Nicely used unit can be had for a reasonable price so I am considering it. You can see my virtual system for a full list but my system consists of LTA preamp, Pass Labs X250.8 amp and JA Perspective2 speakers. Totally happy and satisfied with the sound I get from the system, but just want to have another amp for a different flavour. Do you guys think ref 80s sounds different enough, for better or worse? Let me know what you think. Thanks 

 

panerai557

Showing 1 response by curiousjim

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,088 posts
 

@panerai557 

Have you ever considered a Hybrid preamp and/or amplifier? You get the flavor of tubes and the power of SS without most of the heat.  My first taste came from an ARC SP9mkll.  It uses 6922 tubes for its input stage and SS for its output. (I still love its sound) And now I am using PS Audio BHK preamp and amps.  All three have tube input stages and SS outputs.

Just a thought.

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