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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.

128x128trentgordon
cey's avatar
cey
275 posts
 

how much do you want to spend?
do you want a more modern tube sound or a more classic tube sound?

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,202 posts
 

@mike4597 +1: Tube amps have a weak link with their output transformers. Distortion and phase issues/frequency response are difficult to reduce/eliminate. 

maxdukecapone's avatar
maxdukecapone
62 posts
 

I've tried several different preamps in my system including the Luxman c900 which there top of the line.

I ended up with and Aric Audio Motherload XL tube in my system.

Esoteric N01 XD SE > Aric audio Motherload XL > M10X or Aric audio 300B PSET.

This feeds both my Luxman M10X and 300b PSET amps.

I have been leaning to acoustic type music in multiple genres so I was looking for the sounds like you stumbled on as well. I had a Luxman integrated with the loudness feature a few years ago and used it on low level listening. I simulate that in the Roon if listening at low levels now and want to use.

If the tubes are coloring the sound I like it.

 

benzman's avatar
benzman
412 posts
 

You might want to look at something different than your T2. I had one for a bit and loved 8 out of 10 tracks but really got tiresome after a bit. The Cary 600 or 700 will sound much better or a Bricasti M3 w/network card will sound much fuller sound and larger soundstage. You may miss a little top end energy at first but when you get used to it you will love the ease in which the music plays. Sabre dacs can be ruthless on a system. 
All the above mentioned streamer/dacs are under 3,500 on the used market so you  won’t be putting a lot dough out of your pocket. 
 

 

firstonetallguy
88 posts
 

@curiousjim

I also have the BHK Signature preamp followed by 
Pass Labs X260.8 Mono Amplifiers (2)
Martin Logan Expression ESL 13A Electrostatic Speakers.

I understand it has two 12AU7 dual-triodes tubes.
The original tubes have many hours on them;  I use the preamp daily for Home Theater and 2-channel sound.
Questions:
1) What would I hear when the tubes need to be replaced?  In other words, how do I know that I need to replace the tubes?  Everything sounds fine to me now.  This is my first tube anything.
2) There seems to be a lot of 12AU7 tubes available by many manufacturers.  Which manufacturer would you suggest?
3) You stated  “In the preamp I’ve tried 5-6 different tubes and have been using NOS, RCA clear tops for the last couple of months.”  Can you give me ideas of what you heard with the different tubes you tried?   
4) Does using the unit in the home theater bypass cause any wear and tear on the tubes or are they not involved in the action?  The preamp is on doing home theatre duty the majority of the time.  I do not get much time to listen exclusively to the 2 channel stereo. 

Thank you for your help

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