2. amps-preamps
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tube magic with digital source?

Is the "magic" of tube amplification more pronounced when listening to an analog source as opposed to a digital source?

It's been a long time since I have listened to either vinyl or tube amplification. Currently I listen to Tidal and Qobuz exclusively, through a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400. I sometimes take analog out of the Lyngdorf into my Pass XA30.5 if I want to try to coax a little more warmth out of the sound. But as good as the Pass, which I have had for several years, is, it doesn't sound that different from the Lyngdorf's amp on the vast majority of recordings. That surprised me a lot when I first got the Lyngdorf. 

What I am wondering is, is a high quality tube amp as likely to present as much of that subtle (or not so subtle) holographic magic if the source is digital?

jaybarnett

Showing 1 response by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,465 posts
 
I've been back and forth on the SS vs. Tube debate.....  had several good SS / Tube combos and keep going back to tube pre and amplifier.   

Getting great results with a tube pre and 40 watts of EL34 goodness into higher efficiency speakers with several digital sources.    I like my source to be true to the recording , it's the speaker / amp synergy that gives me the sound I'm ultimately looking for.
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