Were you to invest in a Cary SLP 98, then search for a NOS pair of TungSol 6SN7GTs(black, round plate from the 40's), and a pair of NOS Sylvania 6SN7Ws(tall bottle, either metal or bakelite base): you would find yourself listening to your entire disc collection afresh, amazed at the detail/imaging accuracy/soundstage depth and width/timbre/focus and pace that you missed before. That's providing the rest of the system(including your room) is up to the task. The right tubes are essential for accurate/non-euphonic/musical reproduction, and the above are the cream of the crop in the 6SN7 family.
Can tube preamps be as 'detailed' sounding as ss?
Recently I bought a minimax tubed preamp. After several weeks of listening and comparing to my Plinius Cd-Lad pre, I've decided I like some things about the minimax, but more things about the Plinius
1. minimax adds a sense of realism and increased soundstage depth a little
2. minimax added more hiss to the system
3. better bass with the Plinius
4. better details and clarity with the Plinius
5. Wider soundstage with Plinius
I really enjoyed the increase sense of realism though. Is it possible that a better tubed pre (such as Cary slp-98) would retain the clarity and details of the Plinius and add the midrange lushness? Or would a hybrid tube pre give the best of both worlds (like a Cary slp-308)?
thanks for your thoughts
rest of system, Bryston 3bst, Ayre cx-7, Audio Physics Libra
1. minimax adds a sense of realism and increased soundstage depth a little
2. minimax added more hiss to the system
3. better bass with the Plinius
4. better details and clarity with the Plinius
5. Wider soundstage with Plinius
I really enjoyed the increase sense of realism though. Is it possible that a better tubed pre (such as Cary slp-98) would retain the clarity and details of the Plinius and add the midrange lushness? Or would a hybrid tube pre give the best of both worlds (like a Cary slp-308)?
thanks for your thoughts
rest of system, Bryston 3bst, Ayre cx-7, Audio Physics Libra