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Too many tubed components in the system?

As a newbie to the tube side of audio, is there such a thing as too many tubed components in the audio signal path?

I have an Audio Aero CDP that has a tubed output stage, have just bought a tube amp (VTL ST-150) and am considering either a tube active linestage or passive linestage.

* Will having an all-tubed component audio chain sound too tubey? Does the concept of "too much of a good thing" apply to tubed reproduced music?
* If the answer above is 'Yes' then is there a max. number of tubed components that one should have in their system and if so then what should they be? (e.g. CDP+preamp vs CDP+amp vs preamp+amp)

Thanks for your insights.
kevinzoe

Showing 1 response by devon

devon
35 posts
 
Keep one thing in mind with tubes....high maintenance and big bucks.You will be tube rolling until the day you die.
Is all the extra time and $$$$ worth it??
Just make sure you are buying tubes for the right reason...improved sound quality not for bragging rights.
There are some mighty fine SS components out there so don't limit yourself to tubes.
I have had audio buddies that ended up on PROZAC because they couldn't sit down and enjoy their system without wondering if a differnet tube would get them one step closer to AUDIO NIRVANA.

However I will admit I do own a tubed pre BUT the tube stops there.
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