I would say it depends on the particulars of the components you would like to
put together; some match well, some don't; and that is true for tube or sand.
System synergy is always important, but I don't think it is correct to
generalize tube vs. solid state.
My Pass First Watt solid-state amp is closer to a Fi X tube amp in sound than
a Linn solid-state amp, for example. The same can be said for tube and sand
preamps and tube vs. sand CDPs. I currently use a tube CDP (AA prima) into a
Fi Y tube preamp and Fi X tube amp, and everything seems to come together
quite well, no exaggerated tube softness.
The only consistent thing, I realize with every additional piece of tube
equipment added to my system, is a certain sense of realism to instruments,
whereas solid state can be slightly flat in that respect. But then
again...excellent ss stuff out there as well.
Just my 2c...
Rene
put together; some match well, some don't; and that is true for tube or sand.
System synergy is always important, but I don't think it is correct to
generalize tube vs. solid state.
My Pass First Watt solid-state amp is closer to a Fi X tube amp in sound than
a Linn solid-state amp, for example. The same can be said for tube and sand
preamps and tube vs. sand CDPs. I currently use a tube CDP (AA prima) into a
Fi Y tube preamp and Fi X tube amp, and everything seems to come together
quite well, no exaggerated tube softness.
The only consistent thing, I realize with every additional piece of tube
equipment added to my system, is a certain sense of realism to instruments,
whereas solid state can be slightly flat in that respect. But then
again...excellent ss stuff out there as well.
Just my 2c...
Rene