Thanks for starting this thread. I have always wondered what having more than two tubes in a line stage accomplishes but never got around to asking.
When I mention two tubes, I am assuming the preamp does not use a tube rectifier.
Tube Preamp: How many tubes does it take to .................
My McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp has 17 tubes (some for tuner of course).
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This EAR 802 Tube Preamp has 14 tubes (and either MM or MC phono)
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Some have as few as 2 and no mention of Hybrid
Some call themselves Hybrid
What _____________________________?