2. amps-preamps
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Ssssh, is your tube preamp really that quiet?

Does anyone own, or know of, a tube preamp that is TRULY QUIET even when the volume is turned up? On my CAT tube preamp, there is always a certain amount of tube rush when the volume is up. This doesn't really bother me as it is not really audible when music is playing, BUT I'm sure the sound could be better IF this wasn't the case. Anyone have a totally quiet tube preamp?? No ssssh whatsoever!
128x128daveyf

Showing 3 responses by charles1dad

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charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Jmgrogan2,
You have your priorities in order and I happen to agree with your conclusion(while the music is playing). For the record my DHT tubed line stage is silent.
Charles,
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charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Ralph,
What's interesting is that despite the noise you mention, once the music begins these "noisier" devices ironically reveal more musical nuance and low level information. As though the noise floor diminishes with the musical signal transmission.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Ralph,
I discovered this some years ago when I owned a Symphonic Line SS amplifier and a tubed Audio Prism el 34 tubed amplifier. The S.Line amplifier was quieter in terms of external noise than the tube amp. Yet when comparing the same recordings via these two amps the tubes revealed nuance,subtle-inner detail and emotion that wasn't apparent with "quieter" amplifier. It was as if the noise floor of the tube amp became lower once there was signal propagation activation. I sold the Symphonic Line amplifier.
Charles,
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