2. analog
  3. 140304-108536

Digital Flac files with a Tube Amplifier

This is the audio system that I am currently using.


All of my large CD collection has been ripped into Flac files. 


Mini Mac computer as audio file server

M-Audio Super II dac

Luxman LX-33 30wpc tube amplifier with NOS Telefunken and RCA tubes.

Speakers ADS L1290


I’m certainly aware that this system is not what is called high end and make no such claim. But to my ears it sounds just beautiful better than any SS amplifier that I have used through the years, including a McIntoch MC-7150 power amplifier.


 I grew up in NYC and have attended many live concerts at Carnegie Hall, Philharmonic Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, I can’t recall hearing any music that approaches the bright and articulate sounds of SS amplifiers in a concert hall, tube sound comes much closer to the live experience for my ears. Needless to say, I prefer the sound of tubes while listening to my favorite classical, jazz and 60’s and 70’s rock.


Does anyone have a similar system and are you satisfies with the results. I would like to know what others in the audio mid-priced range are listening to.


This is a silly question but what am I listening to  anyway? Digital, Analog, Digilog or Anatal?



terry1229

Showing 1 response by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
@terry1229,

It seems like you are directly associating as your tube amp with your digital source. If you want to associate your tube amp with it's most important mate, that's your speakers. Pairing amps and speakers that are a good match for each other is a vital part of the equation. Speaker sensitivity(aka efficiency) and impedance curves will make some amps great matches or not. If you change out one, do plenty of research that it will fit with the other.
With your mac & dac, the software that it uses and your choices of cabling and related accessories can make a huge difference too. Electrical & computer noise are the enemies and many products and approaches try to win that war in a variety of ways. Read up here, but more importantly at computeraudiophile to get up to speed on that topic. 
Enjoy the ride. Cheers,
Spencer
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