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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 3 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

Wow. Thanks for the detailed report. really appreciated. Lots of work on your side! Good for you.

But a question… I know you are doing this in a really short time… is all this equipment fully broken in? … as having 150 - 200 hours of play time before analysis and comparison. Or, if used and already broken in, an additional 20 hours to settle down. New equipment tends to be trebly and thin and often a bit noisy… then settles down and becomes more relaxed and natural sounding when you are over 150 to 200 hours. My Audio Research gear needs 600 hours to fully open up… granted after 200 the difference is not night and day.

 

Cary is definitely special… and if not broken in fully will just sound better and better.

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

I found the Yggdrasil to sound very good for the money but nowhere as good as a good quality $5K or higher DAC… it’s treble is unrefined and overall the sound is thin. But, it’s good for a budget DAC. 

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

I have migrated slowly over the decades to all tubes. Seduced one component at a time. I now have all Audio Research equipment. I find Luxman to be overly trebly with a bit of a bass kick and very lean midrange. The missing midrange takes away the rhythm and pace… the seductive musical part while delivering imaging and transparency.

 

I find Audio Research gives the musical natural midrange and the detailed / transparency. Listen to an Audio Research I-50. I instantly fall into the music listening to the I-50. Your speakers are efficient enough (90) to be well powered by the 50. Tubes sound much more powerful than solid state. Even if you choose to go up on the ARC line up the I-50 will give you a taste.

 

If you choose to go one component at a time do preamp first then amp. 

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