2. amps-preamps
  3. 1259177760

Should I Try a Tube Preamp?

Presently I listen 80-90% to vinyl (using a modified Technics 1200) connected to a Parasound 2100 preamp, then Parasound 2250 amp in a small room (12' x 21') with older but decent standmount speakers (these to be upgraded in future).

Someone suggested that an upgrade to my system would be a good tube preamp to replace the 2100. I have no experience or knowledge of tube components so am wondering two things: 1) What benefit/improvement would I obtain from a tube versus solid state preamp (assuming I continue to use the solid state Parasound amp)? 2) Which good tube preamp would fit a budget under $1000?

Thanks, in advance, for any and all comments or suggestions.
kencalgary

Showing 2 responses by mrtennis

mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
all tube preamps are not created equal. some of the newer designs sound like solid state. for example, i reviewed a recent mcintosh tube preamp and called the company to suggest that i could not identify and tube-like charcter and a technician siad the preamp was designed to be as "neutral" as possible, i don;t remember the model number, but it used 2 12ax7 in the line section and 2 12ax7 in the phono section. retail price was about $3900.

then there is the vintage tube sound--i.e, having a euphonic coloration, but clearly inaccurate by todays's standards.

so when discsussing tube preamps, the degree of tube flavor is an important consideration.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
when i reviewed the mcintosh preamp, i could not identify any "tube-like" character, as you have indicated, jafox.

in fact the company's philosophy for the design of that preamp--it was a few years old, was that of neutrality. the technician i spoke to said it could be characterized as solid state , but without the edge and other solid state ills.

it was not sterile sounding, but there was no bloom, even after replacing the tubes with nos.

i have heard other modern tube components have a non-tube sound, without any of the ills of solid state.

i felt the preamp was highly resolving for a tube component and, as a reviewer, a useful tool for uncovering flaws in other equipment, but not enjoyable for continuous listening..

there are many tube preamps and each designer balances his/her personal taste and idea of what the component should sound like with its ability to attract sales.

you are right regarding my penchant for coloration.

i recently had my amp rebiased and repaired. boy was i surprised. my system is more resolving. i would have to make some changes in order to "color" it. at the moment, since i am reviewing several hdmi cables between my pas audio perfect wave transport and dac, i am leaving it alone.

incidentally, i am using a passive bent tvc preamp. i have a tube preamp which is more colored, but it is not suitable for reviewing.

sorry to go off on a tangent, but indirectly i have suggested that a passive preamp may be preferable to some tube preamps.
More to discover