Introducing Tubes?


Hello gang!
Well, It's been said of my system that "you could use some tubes in there". So, here is what I have: McCormack UDP-1/ Lexicon MC8/Krell FPB400cx. Tyler Linbrook Signature System (1piece speaker).
The system started as a home theater set up, which for family reasons, I should keep. The Questions:
How could i add tubes to the setup for 2 channel listening? Just add a tube cd player? Add a cdp AND a tube pre amp? (The Krell will do the amplification. ) Would that be enough to get the "tube sound" that has been so often described here on Agon? (I've never used tube gear). What would be a good sounding tube CDP for a rookie tube guy? (around $1000 new or used) Suggestions and/or advice is welcome and appreciated.
Thanks so much.
paul
oldpet

Showing 3 responses by newbee

I think a tubed pre-amp is the best place start. But before you go there best ask yourself exactly what are you trying to get. All tube pre-amps don't sound the same. Some are warm and some are bright, most have a more liquid sound. Don't underestimate the effect that a good tube amp has on the sound of a system, but thats for another day (after you have tried a good tubed CDP). Upscale Audio advertises an Ah Joeb tubed CDP that cost less than $1000 that gets a lot of good comments. By the way, good speakers!
Improbability, FWIW everything in the chain adds distortion to some extent! Some tubes can cover-up some of the distortion added by CD systems and other SS stuff! Take that!!!! And that!!!!! :-)
Paul, For less that 1K you can pick up a EAR 834L. This is a very basic, simple to operate, preamp using 3 tubes which have very very long life (5yrs at 24/7 +/-). Tonally it is much like your Tylers - smooth and musical, but not dull and boring. It is voiced very much like my ARC SP10II. I have used one in a secord system for about 5 years with zero problems. Tube rolling with this is cheap and easy, assuming you want to fiddle with the tubes.