I just added a McIntosh c2300 tube preamp to my Mc 402 ss power amp. The power amp was already smooth but the tube pre gives it that tube sound. Just really nice if you want the tube sound without the maintenance that comes with a tube power amp. I've read where people say the amp is where you get the sound but my experience and ears say otherwise.
Integrateds: Warm sounding SS vs Hybrid
I have recently had Bryston B60 and Unison Unico amps. They each had their strengths. Overall I liked the Unico better, its more forward, fuller sound and a wider soundstage, due to its tube preamp. However, I wasn't enamored with the tube hiss I was getting, I realize that there might have been a problem with the amp, but I have read about others having this problem. With no music playing, or very quiet passages in classical music, the hiss could be heard from the listening position6-8 feet away.
I have read reviews of some SS amps where their sound is described as "tube-like".
My questions are:
1) Has anyone who had owned tubed gear heard a SS integrated that sounds like tubes?
2) Was my experience with Unison tube hiss likely due to faulty gear/tubes, etc?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
I have read reviews of some SS amps where their sound is described as "tube-like".
My questions are:
1) Has anyone who had owned tubed gear heard a SS integrated that sounds like tubes?
2) Was my experience with Unison tube hiss likely due to faulty gear/tubes, etc?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.