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Tube Preamp --> Solid State Amp

I had an interesting conversation with my audio dealer today.  I was demoing the Focal Supra 3s and he shared his opinion/preference that he likes to choose a quality TUBE preamp (ex: McInstosh D1100) paired with a SOLID STATE amp (ex: Michi X5 integrated, McIntosh MC312 power amp etc).   Not sure if there are any schools of thought promoting or perhaps indifferent to this approach but wanted to get some thoughts?

Specifically for me, I just bought a Michi X5 (integrated amp) and am picking up some Focal Sopra 3s.  I have toyed with the idea of dropping in a tube preamp to soften/warm up the sound prior to the X5 giving it that 600w of punch @ 4Ohms but don't want to throw money away.  

I will say this, when I demoed the Focal Supra 3s, I did so on McIntosh tube preamp and McIntosh  SS Amp, and then switched immediately via a button on the McIntosh premap but using the McIntosh 275 TUBE amp.  The 275 added so much softness and warmth that the Focals almost felt muted.  It was about the best A/B comparison I've ever done. 

I know this has a lot to do with speaker pairing but was just curious anyone's thoughts on tube vs SS for separates? 

bound4h

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,496 posts
 

Since you have made an investment, I recommend you stop and enjoy what you have puchased. It takes stuff hundreds of hours to break in and sound like they… well, will.

 

you now have a “reference system”. One you can listen to and understand the sound quality. Typically I will listen for a while and then reposition the speakers to make them sound as good as they can over several months. Then, knowing the sound of your system you are ready to listen to alternative options. 
 

Not all tube stuff is warm and soft and not all so,I’d state is colder and more analytic. So, it is more important to do some auditioning to find a. Sound you are really drawn to.

 

For me in particular, I finally was able to afford a good quality tube preamp about thirty years ago… I paired it with a solid state amp because my speakers required massive current. But a few years ago I finally could afford a tube amp and finally tried one… wow, never going back… this is a high end tube amp… unreal what it did. Wish I did it much earlier. But this is my journey.

 

What is important is you identify what you want (go listen to other systems)… then move that way through careful choices.

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