2. analog
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tubes and analog

I just "upgraded" from a Mac SS integrated to a Prima luna dialogue 2 tube amp. The reason that I changed amps was that i assumed that the tube amp would be a better match for my Zu Druid speakers. The amp change was a big improvment for listening through my CDP....but not so when listening to my Rega P9. I had to switch to my spare SS phono stage (Graham slee) to get it to sound right. I was using a tube phono (AES) with my Mac. In Short, my tube amp with SS phono stage is not really an upgrade from my Mac with Tube phono stage. My question is.....should i consider a further upgrade to a better tube phono pre or is it simply that a change from SS to Tube amp is more "pronounced" in digital playback?
csmithbarc

Showing 2 responses by hedgehog

hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog
183 posts
 
Reading this thread over the past several days has been entertaining, to say the least. I've learned a few things from all of the technical discussion...mostly that I know very little.

Like a previous poster stated, I'd look to the tubes in the AES unit first. Some tube rolling/upgrading/replacing might be a less expensive way to attack the issue. Some Herbie's Audio Labs tube dampers would be a great tweak to try...they will help with your "muddy" bass, as well as "clean up" the sound a bit allowing the low level detail to come through.

Maybe, as some have stated, the AES and the PrimaLuna will never play nice together.
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog
183 posts
 
While it isn't clear as to whether or not Raul knew or was made aware that the Atma gear was pre-owned, calling the attempted listening session an "audition" certainly was a bit inaccurate. When I think of an audition, listening to a dealer's properly setup/functioning equipment comes to mind.

It sounds like having Ralph go through those "repaired" and/or altered amps would be a good idea as well!
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