Tube vs. SS Dilemma


Hi there Audiogon Community
Need some serious help and don’t know who to talk to but you guys. I have been upgrading my system for the past year and a half now, selling and buying stuff. First I went the tube route, bought an Atlas Magnum Amp, Cary SLP 03 Tube Preamp, was dreaming the liquidy tube dream, was amazed at the upgrade from an old and tired hybrid amp I had. Sources: estoteric DV50 for cd and vinyl via a Lenco TT and Ear Phono. Mainly listen to jazz, classic rock and some bits of classical.
But got a hold of a Mark Levinson Preamp, a 380 model and had a spare Krell 250a amp, hook the esoteric cd player to this second setup and was just blown away, I always thought that my heart would always be glowing with tubes or at least a tube/ss setup, but man am I enjoying the SS turn, the bass carácter of the Krell is addictive.
So my question is: What is happening? Am I just shocked “temporarily” by the ML/Krell combo? Should I just wait for a while and do a second and third shootout between setups? Or the fact that the ML/Krell combo is much better – in terms of the models I have vs. the tube models – part of the reasons that explain the differences and should look for better tube amp/preamp before seriously comparing the two?
As soon as I listened to the ML/Krell combo, my first thought was to keep upgrading my system the ss way, instead of the tube route, but before I make drastic changes want to hear from you guys’ experience. I don’t want to make this a tube vs. ss question, therefore I hope the details of the inquiry help steer away broad answers in that regard.
Should add the speakers I’m using with all these setups: GoldenEar triton 2’s. Thanks in advance. I always enjoy reading the forum, but now I had to ask the question before declaring this a case of mild audiophile schizophrenia.
Thanks.
musicgeorge11

Showing 5 responses by vhiner

I am not casting aspersions on anyone's advice here, but I stick by my earlier statement that system synergy can be elusive. Whether it's a dark art or not depends upon how confident one is when advising someone about a system one has never heard. I, for one, would exercise caution and not encourage you to start swapping things out in a system that you say pleases you. I have seen people spend thousands of dollars chasing the holy grail only to make things worse. If you're happy with what you have, why not just live with it for a while? What is lacking when you listen to the ML/Krell combo? Why would replacing the Golden Ear speakers fix/solve/improve? What would your ideal/dream system sound like? The answer to these questions might help you and others find what you're looking for.
Zd542,

Thanks for the clarification. No offense meant nor taken and I fully agree with you and the others. Consensus on A'gon is not overly common, so I am glad to find such a wise and level-headed group.

Musicgeorge11,

I'm very glad you've found something that has you lost in the music. It makes it all worthwhile when that happens. More money for records!
Charles1dad,

"I think consensus was easy to establish in this case because of common sense." I agree but you *do* realize that there are those extra smart people who have not weighed in yet, right? LOL
Musicgeorge11,

Congrats! It's always great when the puzzle pieces finally come together.
System synergy is a "dark art" and, unfortunately, the right combination can be elusive. I can relate to your quandary but advise that you go where ever your tapping toes lead you. Who cares about the technology as long as you have a smile on your face?

However, if after several weeks you find yourself missing the tubes, you could try some more modern tube systems that strike a balance between the virtues of tubes and solid state. Unfortunately, those set ups are very pricey. The ARC Ref 3-5 preamps come to mind as well as Conrad Johnson's CT5/ET5 pre's. These are all very transparent tube units and can easily handle the most complex and dense musical passages you could ever find. I use a CT5 with a Conrad-Johnson solid state Premier 350SA amplifier and this offers the best of both worlds to me. But my Thiel 3.7's are nothing like your Golden Ears, so there's no way to know if such a combination would work for you. Golden Ear owners with tastes similar to yours may have discovered some killer combinations you've never thought of.