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Tube pre-amps: what defines "better"

Long story short: trusted audiophile friends recommend I add a tube pre-amp to my audio system. As with all gear, pricing is a very large range, so the usual irritating question is on my mind! -- what do I look for in a tube pre-amp that would send me to, say, a $1500 product over a $350 product? Beyond the issues of fit and finish, country of origin (as usual, the Chinese products are relatively lower-priced)...what in your mind makes for a stand-out tube preamp? Thanks for any advice.

J.
jpaik

Showing 2 responses by gunbei

gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Did your friends give you a reason why you should add a tube preamp to your system? Are you running all solid state right now? A passive preamp? What IS your system now? Is there something you don't like about it, that prompted them to suggest a tube preamp? What kind of music do you listen to and how do you like it presented?

Because of my personal preferences, right now the only type of preamp I'd want is a tubed version. I enjoy their naturalness, expansiveness, and smooth, sweet nature. I've had success mating them to solid state amps for a bit of both worlds.

Good luck.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Musicslug is right about different tubes having their own character. I'm pretty familiar with two types, the 6SN7 and 6922 families which my preamp and DAC use respectively.

In general, the 6SN7 will have a fatter midrange and upper bass which yields a lightly more organic sound than the 6922, 6DJ8, 7308 family which on the whole is more neutral sounding. I like both!

When considering tube preamps, pay attention to the tubes being used in its design.
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