2. amps-preamps
  3. 1066772706

Mating Tube pre's with SS amps

I'm about to buy either a Levinson 334 or Classe 200 mono's. I have a Mccormack RLD-1 pre. After many hours spent in these forum I've decide that a tubed pre will best suit my taste. All sources go through a Levinson 360S. The main reason for choosing tube preamplification is the holographic soundstage the good one's claim to acheive. I've also considered the Pass X1 for this reason. Another reason is that I've noticed many successful systems use this combination of tubes and SS. Now, for those of you who have chosen a similar path, with a neutral amp, can I expect to reap the benefits of tubes, the 3-D image, liquid mids, etc, while maitaining SS control and a degree of neutality over euphonics. I so want a tube pre to ruin the benefits of resolution the 360S brings to the table. Thanks.
sjh32

Showing 1 response by mghcanuck

mghcanuck
116 posts
 
I've just made the move to a tubed pre and SS amp. In my case, both pieces are from the same manufacturer, Blue Circle (specifically the BC21.1 preamp and BC22 MKII amp), which helped avoid impedance mismatch. More than that though, although they are still breaking-in, they are devliering a lot of what you've described you're looking for in your system. If you have the chance to audition some tubed preamps, you should be able to find one to your liking.

Best of luck to you.
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