2. amps-preamps
  3. 194460-201371

Moving to Tube Separates or Tube Integrated + Phono

BACKGROUND:
Hi, I have a modest SS system. Vintage Pioneer SX850 Receiver, Fluance RT82, TEAC A2300 SD, Vienna Acoustics Bach Speakers and a B&W Powered Subwoofer.

I am cobbling together a second system for a garage attic that is turning into a listening room, and I would like this system to be tube driven. I have been gifted a pair of Klipsch Cornwall I's, and have a Denon DP51 TT, and may move the sub out there as well. 

I have been shopping the used market for the past 6 months and have gotten close to buying a few times, but I realize I really don't know what I'm doing! I lean towards an Integrated Tube or Hybrid Amp, ideally with a phono stage. Products that catch my eye and within my budget include used integrated's from Rouge Audio, Prima Luna, Vincent, Cayin, Audio Research and perhaps a vintage tube integrated like a Fisher. 

QUESTION:
If the integrated amp does not have a phono stage and I need to buy a separate phono pre, how much of the tube goodness from the integrated comes through when playing vinyl? Or is the sound of the vinyl strictly determined by the phono pre? Or both? And should I buy a tube phono pre? The extended version of this question would be, when buying separates, how much of the tone is shaped by amp vs. preamp vs. phono preamp? 
And yes I did search through the archives, but I'm still confused!

Thanks much!

seamusmacd

Showing 1 response by larryi

larryi
4,274 posts
 

Wow!  That is very good general advice from Freediver.  I am also a big fan of EL 84 amps of modest power output.  That tube can be utilized in pretty modest amps to great result.  For the same reason I like 6L6 amps and KT 66 amps.  Vintage amps can be extremely good and cheap, but, the problem is it takes experience and know how to get the best out of them; it is not that easy to be a rookie tubie.  If you have access to a shop that can give you help, that would be the way to go. 
 

Tube gears varies much more than do solid state amps.  Some tube amps are leaner sounding than most solid state amps—whether that is good or bad depends on your set up and taste.  You should try to hear as many examples as you can to get a better idea about what to get.  The other approach is the way most of use to slowly get where we want to be—trial and error with fun, but also painful, substitutions over many years.

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