going from tube preamp to solid state

I’m a tube lover from way back. I usually have both,  a tube pre and SS one. The thing is having them both was a good thing because eventually I sold the tube unit and kept the Spectral. I just found my self using the SS more.  It was so different than tubes that I got to see a different perspective on the music and liked it. That being said I still miss some of the things that tubes did and plan to have both again. Only this time I’m stepping up to a better quality tube pre than before. Still can’t let my Spectral go though it’s very good. One of the newer ones but  maybe a little over the budget you mentioned. I think SS can excel over tubes but it won’t be cheap. In the $5000 range tubes may be the best bet. 

I have owned both. You will just get used to what ever you use. The key is to give yourself time to adjust to the change. 

I have done it a couple of times over the past 30+ years.  The last time was 11 years ago and I haven’t looked back.  IME, you don’t need tubes to have excellent depth of tone, dimensionality, fullness, and dynamics.  That said, there are also a lot of really nice sounding tube designs.

@vonhelmholtz 

using aric audio transcend preamp at the moment

what i am looking for is a preamp that can give me a bigger soundstage .  right now , all i have is center imaging and looking for more than that.      the room has been treated, speakers have been moved every which way you can think of.....and nothing really changes.      room is 12 x 11 x 8 .         

@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.

@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?

@russ69 

if i was to do a change, i would say less than $5k.

@vonhelmholtz 

i know not all tube or solid state preamps sound the same.....no different than tube and solid state state amps dont sound the same. 

i am just toying with an idea and like i said, it might not even happen.

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.

whats wrong with the 6922 tubes ?

Absolutely nothing but you said you didn't like the 6SN7 and liked the 6922 so you are sonic-ally closer to a solid state preamp. I'm an all tube guy so not sure what preamp would work for you, it might depend on the features you want/need more than pure sonics. Without knowing your system and budget, it's hard to make a recommendation. Are we $30,000 or less than $5000? 

@soix 

and that is why i havent made a decision on this yet as i dont think its going to be an easy one.                   

with tube equipment  you can change the sound of it by trying other tubes , where with solid state, how it sounds is how it sounds.   

I think you’re gonna find this tough.  I’m now going the opposite direction and switching from a SS pre to a tube pre, and I’m not expecting to be disappointed.  With the generally long tube life in most tubed preamps I can much easier embrace a tube pre relative to a tube amp.  Some tube magic is better than no tube magic is what I’m thinking, but best of luck. 

@russ69 

whats wrong with the 6922 tubes ?

any recommendations for a solid state preamp ?    would need dual outputs.

If you like the 6922 tubes you might like a good solid state preamp. Blow your budget on a really good one.