As a SS guy thinking of getting into tubes, it made me wonder. Are there any audiophiles out there that went from tubes back to SS? I hear a lot about people going to tubes and never going back---but do some people say, nah...back to solid state. Just curious.
Lots of good points but I guess the only way to know is to try it out. I can always go back like many of you. I still haven't made up my mind---lots of research and taking into account many comments here. And the journey continues...
@abucktwoeighty Wow! Do all tubes hiss or hum? Or is it a brand thing? I've been looking at Linear Tube Audio preamp and Conrad-Johnson's new ET6. If they hiss or hum then that would worry me.
@tuckia08 Thats great info since I'm a newbie to tubes. How do you think the new CJ ET6 compares to the LTA? I've read/heard great things about CJs. Some people on Audiogon don't like the relay 'clicks' on the volume control of the LTA preamp. I'm not sure if that would bother me--but it might. When I turn on my system, I don't want to hear anything---but I want good quality.
@tuckia08 The CJ ET6 does replace the ET3 I believe---at least that's what I've read. The LTA is slowly pulling me in. I have also glanced at Cary Audio's SLP98 and Rogue's RP5. But the LTA and CJ and #1 and 2 on the list. There are so many good opinions on here and I guess I'll have to take the dive soon. I won't know about tubes until I try it.
@prof That's a great story---I have found that many CJ owners are quite loyal to the brand. I've never owned anything in the audio world that's as hi-end as a CJ or LTA. The closest I've ever come to that was Canton speakers, Nakamichi and B & O back in the 80s. As I'm slowly upgrading my system, I'm hearing things I've never heard before---why did I wait so long?! It's great getting back into the music again.
@mrearl I finally got a tube preamp and so far I'm loving the sound with the SS amp. There definitely was a difference once I switched out my integrated. I finally get the whole 'tube' thing.
@wolf_garcia I've heard good things about the Schiit----even better at the price range too. I eventually ended up with the Modwright SWL 9.0 SE tube preamp to go with my Bel Canto amp. Beautiful sound---great synergy. I absolutley love it. And it's not even broken in yet. Please keep us posted as to what you decide and what you think about the Schiit vs the Pass.
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