Phonostage, preamp or amp?


Hi folks,

My system is in occasional (once every month or two) rotation with a few different speakers and SS amps I have accumulated.

I have been wanting to try tubes for a while and was wondering where to start.

Which component (Phonostage, preamp or amp) in general, would:
  • Sonically produce the most noticeable tube effect/experience?
  • Require more maintenance?
  • Have greater component matching requirements (gain, impedance, etc.)?
  • Be the most logical to begin with? 

I listen to mostly jazz, classical and some rock.

Speakers:  Magnepan LRS, KEF LS50s, B&W Matrix 801 S2s, Ologe 5 and Harbeth SHL5+40s.
Amps: Ampzilla 2000 2nd Edition monos, Michael Yee Audio PA-1 and a Forte 1A (which I can't find an owners manual or specs for anywhere!)

Thanks!
hleeid

Showing 4 responses by jjss49

op

saw your post below

you mentioned your digital source is a laptop but did not elaborate

if you haven't already, i strongly suggest you get a usb reclocker/cleaner if that is your output into your dac for music... this $100 purchase can improve your sound as much as, or more than, spending 2 grand on a tube linestage
what are your sources?

since you are neck high in ss amps i would say just try a tube linestage