Tube Line Stage Preamp to Drive Class D Amp


I’m super curious about moving around the configuration of my system.

In the winter, I run a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated. In the summer/fall, I was switching in a solid state integrated--a Creek Evolution 100A. I moved recently and now have a dedicated music room. So the Creek went to the living room and, since it’s still summer--effectively--I needed a SS/cooler amp to run the third floor music room. Enter the NAD M22.

I’m enjoying the NAD M22, and far more so than a Peachtree Nova 300, which I ultimately sold because I felt the Creek Evolution 100A sounded more musical throughout the whole sound spectrum. Right now, the NAD is fed by an NAD M51 DAC. That means my Manley Chinook phono and vinyl collection sit abandoned.

I’m curious to what things would sound like if I moved to a tube line stage preamplifier to feed the NAD M22.

I love the Primaluna integrated and would hate to part with it. But I can’t stop thinking about whether a proper tube preamp might be great with the M22. I could still tube roll on the preamp.

Would this potentially be the best of both worlds? Would it be trick to match up tube preamp output specs to the NAD M22?

Finally, what is it that I like about the NAD v. the Primaluna setup? The NAD is fast and maybe slightly leaner with less glow or ethereal quality. But it has great control and sounds very accurate and there's a clarity into the music that is just as intoxicating as all tubes.

I should probably stay put.  If I do stay put that means no vinyl in the summer in this room because I have nothing to hook the Manley Chinook too.  I can survive, but analog is the drug of choice. 

Curiosity killed the cat though and, if I can confess, I researched tube line stages from Primaluna to Conrad Johnson to Luxman, to Vincent, and on and on.

And then part of me thinks to keep summer and winter systems and just add in a really nice REL subwoofer like a S/3 or S/5 to open up the whole picture.

Forgive me for I love this stuff. 

PS I don’t believe the Primaluna integrated allows me to use it just as a preamp. Too bad...I have a ton of preamp tubs that wI’d love to hear with the NAD M22.

PPS No one seems to talk about it here but the Creek Evolution 100A is Class G--25 watts in pure Class A then the switching kicks in to get you north of 100 watts. It’s a super cool idea and I doubt I’ll sell that little British gem.
jbhiller

Showing 2 responses by jbhiller

Thank you!!

George that’s a great idea!  I could spend little, keep both summer and winter systems and still have tubes on the line stage with the muscle of the NAD.  

Ghostbouse, I really appreciate your anecdotal advice. I think this route is a reasonable way to go. And, I need a remote.  Getting up to adjust volume is not ideal. 

Its good old to hear you like this combo with Totem Forests. I’m very familiar with them. It’s also good to hear you aren’t missing the tube power amps. 

I welcome ofger ideas too! 
Ghosthouse, 

I ordered the Schitt to give it a run.  If it's quiet and adds back tube flavor I may keep the Class D in winter operation too.  I'm optimistic that it will sound great as folks seem to love it on forums. The engineering/design is strong.  I really like the volume control and the active/passive function.  If it ran 12au7s I'd be really happy as I have a pile of NOS in that compliment for my Primaluna.   I also like saving a bit of energy and heat. 

I will follow back up with a report after I get it and put it in action!