2. amps-preamps
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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.  
johnfritter

Showing 6 responses by mesch

mesch
3,529 posts
 
+1 lowrider. If your Peachtree is driving your current speakers to satisfaction and has preouts and amp inputs I would suggest you get a tube preamp. Quicksilver is a great option. Also check out Aric Audio, give him a call.  

You could then compare the tube pre to use of the Peachtree pre.
You could then save for a tube DAC to serve your CD player and the Node.
As mentioned your speakers are not the most tube friendly so sticking with SS may be your best option. 
mesch
3,529 posts
 
The Aric Audio tube preamps have low output impedance for a tube pre making them very compatible impedance wise with most amps. The variable gain makes them compatible with most amps even those with low sensitivity rating (high gain). His Unlimited at $900 is a great deal! 
mesch
3,529 posts
 
I believe you will be happy with Aric. I own his Special preamp. 
mesch
3,529 posts
 
At your budget I was one to recommend the Aric Unlimited. I own his special which I believe now has been upgraded to the Transcend. Both 6SN7 tube types. I know one AGer who posted on the Unlimited which he had Aric design for 6SN7 output tubes. Strongly advise you to talk to Aric regarding and advantages of the different options as applied to your system and budget.  
mesch
3,529 posts
 
Congrats on your purchase. You got me thinking about talking to Aric about upgrading my Special (precursor to the Transcend). Mine is about 3 1/2 years old. Thinking about the resistor gain approach.
mesch
3,529 posts
 
I purchased my Special from Aric via AG. It was 2 years old at that time. Aric took it to shows and thereafter had it at a dealer ship where it was never sold, thus his sale. I have been in contact with Aric since. Great guy to share thoughts with. Currently considering his Transcend amplifier. 

I was looking for a 6SN7 based pre having point to point wiring. His had what I wanted, and I thought the adjustable output gain would be nice as I have a digital based system. Was thinking with digital output levels I would only need ~10dB gain from a preamp. Thus far I have been proven right. It mated well with my BEL 1001 MK5 and now with my PASS XA25. 
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