2. analog
  3. 1261926156

Looking for a good place to start

I want to enter into a tube/analog setup but have no idea where to start. What is a good reference to start understanding tube components? I remember listening to music as a kid on a Marantz system and it being very warm and full. A sound that I just can't seem to get from a CD. I'm sure its doable but I sort of have an attraction to vinyl. Something in me just wants to go that way. I'm here 2 or 3 times a day looking at turntables, waiting for the right moment to pounce, looking at tube components wondering where to start? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
botit

Showing 3 responses by uru975

uru975
684 posts
 
I am going to make some assumptions. That your amp and speakers work well with each other and that your not interested in changing both at this time to go into tubes.
If that is the case, then maybe try a tube preamp making sure the impedances work between amp and preamp and go from there. Most preamp tubes last several thousand hours so there should be no problem with tubes for a few years. It would also let you think about how much downstream you want that effect.
Just my thought.
uru975
684 posts
 
Botit,
A lot of people seem to feel that they can get the best of both by having a tube preamp and a solid state amp. There is a lot in the archives on this. It was just a thought for a minimum change and let you see if that satisfied your desire or if you wanted even more.
A good place to start would be to borrow a tube preamp on home demo and see if that provided you with the tube sound you are looking for. Again YMMV.
Hope that helps.
uru975
684 posts
 
Botit,
Was just looking at new threads, and one newer than yours is "go with a tube preamp or..." That might further enlighten you as to what the possibilities are.
Regards,
Michael
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