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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knotscott
931 posts
 

@alvinnir2    ^^^^^

Well said... 

jlbkmb1958
28 posts
 

Currently using an Icon tube phono amp with an Icon integrated tube amp (quad KT88). Very good for the price. 

jchiappinelli's avatar
jchiappinelli
117 posts
 

I run my Triton R1's with a pair of 20 year old Cary Audio Six Pac mono blocks and  a Prima Luna Dialogue Premium preamp. Sound is superb! The 92 db sensitivity and the powered 1600 w subs enclosed in the Tritons makes the Six Pacs 50 w output more than enough. I'll occasionally switch in my  Classe Audio Model Fifteen SS amp for more casual listening.

J.Chip

signaforce's avatar
signaforce
193 posts
 

I am actually surprised almost everyone is talking hardware. I have found the tubes selected have a SIGNIFICANT impact on sound. I have NOS Telefunken medical, NOS Siemens nickel plate & NOS Brimar CV4003 I roll in my Rogue preamp. The Tele’s are very forward, Siemens bright & airy, Brimar’s warm. 
I would recommend a tube pre, but tube selection will significantly influence your sound regardless of HW, IMHO. Fun changing your sound with (relatively) small tube investments. 

immatthewj
2,035 posts
 

I am actually surprised almost everyone is talking hardware. I have found the tubes selected have a SIGNIFICANT impact on sound.

Sure, but OP probably needs the gear to put the tubes into before ge goes shopping for different tubes.

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