going from tube preamp to solid state


just toying around with this and it might not even happen.

have a tube preamp now and while i might sell this later on and get another preamp.......have there been members that have had a tube preamp, sold it and went to a solid state preamp and kept it ?          or did you prefer the tube preamp sound and went back to it ?

maybe got a tube preamp that uses different tubes than the previous one did ?     

the preamp i have now, i like the way it sounds, but just not a fan of the 6sn7 and never really have been.   i prefer the 6922, 12au7 / 12ax7 tubes better.   

innersound300

Showing 5 responses by vonhelmholtz

Your question seems to assume that all tube amps sound alike and the same with solid state.  So not only is it important to discuss specific models, but as you pointed out tubes used and different speakers, power amps and personal taste will all muddy the waters.  Purchase an amp that you are interested in with the right to return for full money back, or get a local loaner.

@innersound300

I fully realize that you know that all xxxx amps don’t sound the same, but how can someone provide you with a useful suggestion without knowing what your system consists of?

@innersound300 

What preamp are you using currently?

BTW..You can post your system under your profile and you can see what others are using under their profile.

I have always listened to tube preamps, so I won’t be of use here but others might have experience with your preamp.

I did recently go through three phono preamps looking for a solid state phono stage that had much of the musicality of a tube preamp and I’m quite happy with where I ended up.  My power amp is solid state.

Sounds like the soundstage issue is a big problem unrelated to tube vs solid state.  You might start out by discussing this issue with the manufacturer.  I’m assuming that in treating your room that you did basic things like damping first reflections.  ghprentis Is always a great resource and his suggestion of posting a room photo might be helpful.

@innersound300

I tried various combos of amps and pre amps over many decades. In the end I generally preferred a solid state amp and a tube preamp.

I have the same preference.

Consider posting the issue that you’re having with sound reproduction, such as soundstage and post a photo of your system and a listing of components in your profile. This will get you to a better solution without presupposing that the problem has to do with your preamp.