2. amps-preamps
  3. 138979-115924

Questions about my system.

I have an Audio Research LS-16 tubed pre-amp which runs into a Madrigal Proceed HPA2 amp.

With the help of the folks here at Audiogon I've got it all set up a tweaked and sounding good.

However, having inherited this system rather than having researched it and chosen it myself....and being new to hi-fi...I have some basic questions about these components, particularly the Proceed.

First, am I correct in saying that the HPA2 is a solid state amp? I've seen pictures inside them and saw no tubes. Huge blue capacitor looking things but no glass tubes.

Second, across the front of the amp it says "dual monaural amplifier". My guess is that this means it is essentially two mono-block amps in one package. Is that right?

Finally, why would one choose to pair a tube pre-amp with a solid state amp? Is that typical? What are the drawbacks?

Thanks,

George
n80

Showing 1 response by caphill

caphill
678 posts
 
Tube based preamp and a solid state power amp usually will achieve desirable positive results but not always it depends on many variables and factors in system matching or synergy.

In my previous setup I had a tube preamp paired with solid state monoblock amps and the overall end results was outstanding on my speakers. But recently I changed setup and system and am now using both solid state preamp and power amps. 
More to discover