OP, the only way to capture a real tube experience is to use a tube amp. You may not notice much change by swapping in a tube CDP. Although I own one and it sounds wonderful, I think you're looking for more.
Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.
Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store.
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.
Showing 9 responses by lowrider57
Used pair of Quicksilver monoblocs here.These amps are worth inquiring about, very highly regarded. Need to know the age and the power when using KT77's. If a purchase is possible, you would be set for a long time. |
What would make the most difference for $1-1.5k? I have to think it would be a good tube preamp or a tube DAC. Quicksilver and other tube preamps are possibilities; or Orchid MHDT Dac; or others. The point is that you want the tubes early in the signal path, first. Later, you can get tube amps. But before then, DAC or preamp. Gotta make sure the preamp and Peachtree will play nice together.For $1K to $1500 you can find a good used preamp. As stated, check the specs so the pre will mate with the Peachtree. Shouldn't be very difficult. |
A tube buffer is a good suggestion, but it's a compromise. Once you realise you like what tubes add to your system, you're out $1125. Skip the buffer and go for the amp. As @atmasphere commented, you need to look at specs. The amp you choose must have enough power to drive your speakers, specifically the low impedance in the bass region. Since Ralph has done the research for us, 3.1 ohms is low enough to be concerned about the amp's output power. |
Mechanic, see comments above: 40W monoblocks These are beautiful amps, need to find the age and provenance. atmasphere9,468 posts 05-25-2021 1:24pm@johnfritter If you get a tube amp use the 4 ohm taps for you connection to the speakers. Your speakers are not particularly tube-friendly due to the low impedances in the bass region (3.1 ohms). If you like what you hear, consider a speaker that is higher impedance and otherwise easier to drive- that is where tubes can really show off what they do. |