2. digital
  3. 191105-164544

Adding tube sound to my SS system

I have a question for the hive mind. I had the opportunity try a PS Audio BHK tube preamp in my system the other day (in between my LUMIN T2 and Luxman 509x bypassing the luxman preamp) and the vocals / midrange made my heart flutter and chills run up my spine. I heard life detail and nuance in the vocals that I didn’t with the Luxman preamp and sounded like the singer was in the room. But, it was lacking in soundstage, bass and so so recordings didn’t shine. The Luxman preamp made everything sound smoother and liquid but at the expense of some life in the midrange. I ultimately liked the sound without the BHK preamp better, But, that tube sound is intriguing and I’m looking for a way to add it into my system.

system is LUMIN T2->Luxman l509x->spendor D9.2

I keep the Luxman loudness on all the time. Maybe that says I like a fuller sound. i stream 99% of the time through Roon or airplay (tidal and my wife uses Spotify). The modern convenience of controlling volume from the phone is essential (this the LUMIN). Home theater runs through the HT bypass on the luxman. All kinds of music jazz, folk, rock, hip hop etc. simplicity has value over going fully separates. I’ve been trying to research streaming dacs that have a tube or streaming tube preamps but not really having any luck finding anything that fits the bill. Looking to upgrade the LUMIN as I love the aesthetic of the Luxman so it would be hard to part with but I’d do it if needed. Wondering if streamer to tube preamp to power amp is the only way to make it work. Budget is not too much more than my current gear and willing to buy used.

trentgordon

Showing 1 response by audioman58

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,317 posts
 

I find the topic very interesting . Myself grew up on vacuum tube amps and was not until the 80s where SS amps started to sound respectable ,for most had great detail but on the cold side . Also one always are or where in the mindset that you need a 80lb amplifier Huge transformer and 100s thousands of UF capacitance .

I have had a big Coda amp , Now I have on trial a small  GanFet amplifier,

or monoblocks  with totally proprietary custom made modules, and also a unique power supply ,instead of a Big LPS power supply and many inductors and loaded with capacitance to keep up with the power supply ,this PS automatically adjusts  with frequency response at a faster rate and much smaller ,think of a stun gun ,it maybe small but packs a heck of a punch .I am giving them 2 weeks of runin time to complement  one of my New dacs . Now the Mrs is starting to except the concept I can now get some new Audio toys !!

More to discover