2. amps-preamps
  3. 137802-33589

Tube Pre-Amp, vs Solid State with Tone Controls/EQ to take edge off the top end?

Ok,

Really dig my current speaker set-up, they do 90% of what I want at a reasonable price.   (leaving brand out of here so as to not go off track).  

Using a Pass Labs 250.8, and really like it.  Trading out for a lower priced amp immediately gave me a smaller soundstage.  I believe Nelson voices his amps to have a bit of tube like sound but while keeping a solid low end.

Using a Pass XP-12 pre-amp, it's a great piece.  Does what it does really well.

But... I'd like to ever so slightly de-tune the top end on my speaker.  Just take it down a slight bit (usually only when above 90db).

Thoughts on trying a pre-amp with tone controls or an EQ, vs a tube pre-amp? (or a big integrated amp even)

Just looking for others thoughts. Thanks.

dep14

Showing 2 responses by dentdog

dentdog's avatar
dentdog
482 posts
 
+1 Elizabeth. Really good AC conditioning will calm down a bright high end and leave the music to be heard. Initially thought my speakers were too bright and went to work toning them down with tubes, tweaks, then got the power right and voila. The hint that led me in the right direction was that after midnight SQ. 
That AC 'noise" is like white noise and the effects are nothing short of horrific. 
dentdog's avatar
dentdog
482 posts
 
Don't tone controls introduce phase problems? Simple circuits mitigate phase problems?  And how does one detect how much phase accuracy influences realism in the sound reproduction.?
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