2. amps-preamps
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Going Tubing

Greetings!

I would like to introduce some tubes into my two channel set up.

I currently have a solid-state preamp and a solid-state power amp. (And a separate, hybrid tube phono stage.)

I am wondering, conceptually, staying with separates, if it would be better to switch the preamp to a tube preamp, or if it’s better to change the power ramp to a tube power amp. With “better” in this case I mean would have bigger impact on, for a lack of a better description, “tube sound.”

(I realize there are other considerations, such as having enough power to drive my speakers, but here I’m talking about conceptually, which part of these two audio chain components would have the most impact on the sound if switching one of them from ss to tube.)

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Showing 1 response by waltersalas

waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
942 posts
 

I have tried to walk away from tubes many times and always wind up coming back. For some of us, there is no solid state gear to be found that can match the presentation of tubes, regardless of what the skeptics say. The only way to know is to listen for yourself.

A tube preamp with a good solid state amp is a way to go, although don't overlook the possibility of a great tube integrated, which will save you some money on cables and give you a simplified set-up. 

Have fun!

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