2. amps-preamps
  3. 1345270360

tube preamp in SS receiver loop

From noob, a very basic and probably very stupid question that I can't seem to find answered elsewhere:

I want to experiment with inexpensive tube sound to augment a modest solid state receiver. I have looked at tube buffers marketed expressly for that purpose, that is, for those who want to insert tube "warmth," which I know is a kind of distortion that many hate, into solid state setups (e.g., the Grant Fidelity B-283). But I would like a tube phono stage as well. So I am looking at a tube preamp with one line level input and one RIAA input. But I would like to use it on all the line level sources coming through the receiver (tuner, CD, computer, ipod, whatever), so it would go between the pre out and main in on the receiver, or else in the tape loop. In other words, the line level signal would go through the SS preamp, then the tubed one (the turntable would of course go straight into the tube preamp). Is it kosher to use a preamp in this way? That is, as a buffer stage that comes after the solid state receiver's preamp circuit? In other words, can you use a variable gain preamp as a (passive?) buffer? Clearly I have no idea what I'm talking about. Thanks for any thoughts you may have.
vesuvio

Showing 2 responses by seattlehifi

seattlehifi
70 posts
 
The answer is yes you can but I would place a multi-source tube preamp (w/ phono) between the sources and the receiver. Wire all 2-channel sources into the tube preamp directly and then run a set of interconnects between the preamp output on the preamp and a single input (not phono) on the receiver. You'll have two volume controls but you can set the preamp's volume at a fixed point and attenuate with the receiver's volume.

If you have a Home Theater receiver then you would continue to run video & multichannel sources directly to the receiver and not through the tube preamp.

Another simple option would be to just add a tube amplifier and preamp out of receiver for the main two channels.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Best,
Burt
seattlehifi
70 posts
 
I would avoid the Y adapters if possible. Ivan is correct but then, again, we're back at the multi-input tube preamp vs. a tube buffer PLUS a multi-input selector box.

My advice is to try and simplify the signal path as much as possible. Now that I know this is just for 2-channel audio - the preamp makes additional sense because it positions you to eventually replace the receiver for a dedicated 2 channel SS or tube amplifier.
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