2. amps-preamps
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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
12 responses Add your response
inna
7,296 posts
 
There are no drawbacks if matched well.
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
So the warmth, etc that is supposed to be the benefit of a tube system comes from the pre-amp through the amp?
caphill
674 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. 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
"Warmth" is a coloration. A really good pre-amp, whether tube or solid state, sounds neither warm nor cold, neither soft nor hard.
inna
7,296 posts
 
Audiophiles don't always speak the same language and some speak no language at all. "Warmth" can be understood in one language as a coloration and in another as an accurate representation of natural analog sound. At their best tubes are more harmonically correct. Ever heard good recording recorded with good tube equipment ? It has an 'inner glow' and palpability and adequate, more or less, representation of acoustic space. Theoretically speaking, no-one needs transistor equipment.
But if you wish to experience tube sound in all its glory you need both tube preamp and tube power amp and of course tube phono stage.

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
Tubes have to me always meant freedom from grain, dryness (lack of liquid transparency), and thinning of the harmonic complexity of instruments and voices. Also superior depth reproduction, the physical palpability of instruments and vocal cords, and a slightly forward presentation (put another way, with solid state, images appear slightly recessed), which I very much like (even if it's a tube-created distortion, which I doubt).
inna
7,296 posts
 
I have a few records of musicians and singers whom I heard live in an informal setting without microphones and amplification so it's easy to compare. Those recordings were made using tube reel to reel decks. Even with my all transistor equipment you can hear some of that tube sound. Then why do I have all transistor equipment when I advocate tubes so strongly ? Cost. I would not settle for anything but true high end. NOS tubes, especially for power amp can be difficult to find and very expensive. Besides, I would need something like Kharma speakers.

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.
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
mechans, I was pretty sure my amp was SS. 

From what I've read in reviews etc, it sounds like the original owner knew what he was doing or was well advised regarding that matching of components and cables with this system. I guess I'm doubly fortunate in that regard.

Am I right in assuming that "dual monaural" just means two mono-blocks in one box?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
hk_fan
460 posts
 
Dual Monoaural means two mono’s in a single housing, two power supplies, dual everything. The HPA’s are fantastic amplifiers, yes they are solid-state.  I owned one for a while and would still have it if one of the channels didn’t die on mine.

You inherited a very nice system, enjoy.
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
I have heard that they are prone to failure. I hope that mine continues to function properly as repairs+shipping (100 pounds) would be too expensive for me I'm afraid.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Enjoy the system
people get too wrapped up in labels- poorly executed dual mono sounds bad......
you have a fantastic preamp and while I have never heard it rumors have it a good solid amp. Enjoy
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