I have had many tube preamplifiers over the years. Ranging from only two tubes to many! The best that I have heard in my home, across multiple systems is the entry level Backert labs Rhumba 1.3. It uses only two tubes. It excels at detail, soundstage, clarity and more. I like the tonality. It is vivid and dynamic!.
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 _____________________________?