2. amps-preamps
  3. 161686-150037

Hi end tube preamps, it’s all about functionality!!

So most preamps over $10 grand all sound very good.  But functionality varies widely and a challenge to readily figure out.


some remotes don’t turn on unit,  some leave tubes on while watching tv/movies assuming they have ht bypass functionality,  some turn off avr when change is made to stereo listening (McIntosh), some use 3 tubes and some use 8 tubes, volume control process differences, power supply being external or internal, and many more feature variations.


it is a mess.  The marketplace over time will make a buying decision abit easier as brands soon learn that the avr/stereo integration is a very important market and ease of use along with running costs need to be considered more carefully.
emergingsoul

Showing 1 response by phildbasket

phildbasket
8 posts
 
Relatively new to the site but it seems like there are two threads rolled into one here.  With regard to what I’d like to call the “highest of the high end” those involved in it, IMHO, are correct.  Separate systems for HT and two channel audio are a given but there are many of us who enjoy our music reproduced with quality sound who are happy (at least temporarily) with “higher” end sound.  So if one has only one space for both music and movies the HT Bypass option is an acceptable solution. In looking to upgrade to separates with tube preamplification and a solid state amp I came across the Rogue Audio RP-1 which looks like it will operate in bypass mode when the preamp is off thus expanding tube life.  Am I correct?  
Also, I’ve listened to $100k and $500k system so I understand what the goal is but it’s just not my goal.
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