2. amps-preamps
  3. 189339-189245

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.)

128x128bimmerlover

Showing 1 response by woots

woots's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
woots
284 posts
 

I had an all SS system with McIntosh 1.2 kWh mono's and went out and demoed several different amp and preamp combo's with new Wilson speakers I was going to acquire.  After 1 1/2 years of looking and listening I found that the best sounding combination was the Audio Research REF6SE preamp and REF160S amp (I actually preferred the 160S over the Audio Research 160M's)  when I combined that with the Wilson's it was so much better.  I learned about Ohm's law and found that my McIntosh amps were not a great match for my Martin Logan ESL15A's. 

My best suggestion is research as time consuming as that can be; however, in the end you will be more knowledgeable and understand your system better.  Make sure you listen to all types of music and different quality recordings.  

Since adding the above tube components I have added an Audio Research PH9 phono stage and a Nagra Tube Dac with a separate power supply.  Obviously, I like the tube sound better.  To me, my vinyl sounds so much better through tubes.  I also have a pair of REL S812 subs connected into my Wilson Alexia V's and overall I am really happy with the sound.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

More to discover