Can tubes cancel tubes?


Looking for some technical help on this question. I have been researching for my DAC purchase and have zeroed in on three models that use tubes in the circuit. I like tubes mellow sound. Thing is I have a tube preamplifier that leads into my question. What will be the end result of a tube DAC into a tube preamplifier? Will the sound be bad? Do I need to match the tubes? Can I mix the tubes? Will one cancel out the other? Will it fry my system? My pre is a Schiit Freya s so I can run without tube stage but want to know what would happen if I engaged the tube stage.
sgreg1

Showing 1 response by big_greg

In my main system, I have tube amps, a tube preamp, and a tube phono stage.  My streamer/DAC is solid state.  I love the way it sounds.  The downside... a little hiss if you put your ear close to the speakers. 

In one of my other systems I have a DAC with a tube (MHDT Labs Orchid) and a solid state integrated amp.  Another system has a class D amp, a tube preamp, and a solid state DAC.  In another, a tube integrated amp and solid state DAC.  They all sound great. 

Unless you're really worried about having a totally black background, don't overthink it.  You can use different components that use different types of tubes. 

Some solid state gear sounds "tubey".  Some tube gear sounds like solid state.  Synergy is important.  Make sure you understand the type of sound signature and presentation you like and keep that in mind as you build your system.