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 mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
Certain brands of tube amps don't sound like typical Tube equipment and sound more SS like.  If you want Tube sound use a tube output amplifier.


There is nothing wrong, per se, from your set up except you thought you had a tube power amp. The configuration you currently have tube pre and SS powerbis cpmmon and well liked by many.
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