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Tubeguys:How much "tube sound" from tube players?

I made the choice to go with solid state electronics so far. Plus, I have a 3-year-old son which makes having a lot of exposed tubes dangerous. I started in high end 3 years ago. So I have gone with tubed players to gain the tube sound in my system. I have a modified Jolida player w/RCA 12aX7's and a Modwright Sony 999ES player (currently using Raytheon 5687 tubes) Also have Amperex 7119's and T'Sols. Is it possible to achieve a high percentage of the tube sound (midrange presence, layering, palpability) using tubed players in place of tube preamps/amps? Thanks for your opinions.
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Showing 2 responses by trelja

trelja
3,226 posts
 
I have to agree with Grant (Tvad) 1000%. If you truly want tube sound, you NEED a tube power amplifier. If you are going to have tubes anywhere, I think it has to be the power amplifier.
trelja
3,226 posts
 
Interesting perspective, John.

More along the lines of what is normally experienced by audiophiles, I think. Again I go against the grain when I say that I'd rather go with a solid state preamp and a tube power and than what is the more accepted route. However, you are one of the more trusted members on the site in my eyes. The way we both see things is more or less different, and that's why I think this site is so interesting. We are in 100% agreement that a sympathetic speaker must be mated with a tube amplifier. Utterly amazing how often this doesn't happen.

It's funny, because one of my best audio buddies has a perspective that kind of straddles us both. Go figure!
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