Tube Vs. SS Preamps


Oddly in +25 yrs in the hobby, I’ve never really owned a tube preamp. Can you comment on what the differences are in general sonic terms? I want a really fatigue free sound with lots of body (I run class A and class AB solid state amps).

Do you find SS preamps to be fatiguing typically, more so on average than tube ones? Or is it simply the added bloom that's appealing with tube preamps?

greg7

Showing 1 response by bigkidz

You are asking the wrong question.  What tubes offer that SS cannot compete with is space.  You hear a soundstage where vocals and instruments have their own space.  While this is a generalization, that is the difference between many reference level comparisons.  While some like the 6H30 tube sound, to me it sounds SSish so in my experience, then just get a SS components.  The real question is what are you looking for from your system and in what price range.

Once you know what you are looking for then you need to audition them.  Take your time and enjoy the search.

Happy Listening.