For tube sound, which is more important: preamp or power amp?


I have always loved the “tube sound” - warmth, midrange, soundstage. Through the years (since about 1975), I have owned many tube and solid state amps and preamps, in various combinations. Presently, I have a tube amp and a solid state preamp. But like most of you, I am thinking of making changes, again.  Not to cloud the discussion, the specific brands are not important.  I also listen to acoustic music, females vocals, love mini monitors, EL34s, NOS tubes, and don’t care that much about bass.  So you can see that my taste fits the tube sound very well. But I have had systems that are too warm, not enough dynamics or details, and fat in the low end, too.

okay, now to the discussion.  To produce the tube sound, which is more important: the preamp or the power amp?  Let’s talk in general, and (if possible? May not be) not tied to one specific piece/brand/model of equipment.  I know there are exceptions to any general rule.  Not sure if it makes a difference to your comments, but I have no phono and am running line stage only.

As an attempt to prevent the conversation as going in a big tangent, let’s assume equality of price/quality. i.e. not comparing a $10k power amps contribution to a system to that of a $1k preamp.  Let’s also assume that the amp (tube or solid state) can drive the speakers just fine, such that compatibility does not limit the decision. And ignore mono blocks versus stereo amp differences.  

two follow ons: I have  the perception that preamps give you more bang for the buck - meaning that it takes less money to get a great tube preamp compared to a great tube amp.  Agree/disagree? And second, I have never owned a tube dac or CD player, and will assume that tubes in either of these is less critical than in a preamp or power amp. Agree/disagree?

i am interested in your thoughts.

Bill
meiatflask

Showing 2 responses by david_ten

@ everyone  This thread has been a great read. Thanks to all for your contributions; good to be learning!

Inna's point(s) have me thinking....

I realize expertise and business models and marketing and customer base all play into this,

But are there major / well-thought-of players who:

- build and pair pure solid state and tubed components, either order (I don't mean hybrids)?

- show off their premium solid state component with another brand's tubed component, especially a solid state pre with a tubed amp?

If so, what are your takes on the combos, if you have heard them?
@danoroo  A word of caution. You are trying to do two things at the same time. If this was just about your optimizing the performance of the Enzos, via a tubed amp, it would be one thing.

Adding sub control via the preamp may lead to coherence and timing issues and perhaps slight sound signature differences. I don't know the level of control you have via your preamp and your subs.....If you have a high level of software control, then perhaps the integration will be easier to achieve.