2. amps-preamps
  3. 1264342155

Tubes vs. solid state.

I just switched back to my ss equipment and can't see how I listened to ss for so many years and thought that I had a good system, maybe the equipment needs to be left on for some time.
But regardless of that, the difference is startling. I know that my tube equipment is not the same degree of excellence as my ss, but now ss sounds lean, thin lifeless. Have my listening priorities changed? One thing I noticed; my listening perception adapts to the sound present in the room. As I write this the sound is improving incremently.
Anyone share the same experience??
I will post as I will continue to listen and notice differences.
Ss is simaudio p-5 w-5, tubes are Cj premier 4 amp and audio experience a2se preamp.
Are there ss preamps that will satisfy or am I smitten by bubes I mean tubes.
pedrillo

Showing 4 responses by pinkus

pinkus
144 posts
 
Atmasphere, do zero feedback solid state designs share the same benefits as zero feedback tube amps ?

Thanks
pinkus
144 posts
 
Guido,

I have. And although my sample is limited, I have found a very strong correlation between zero feedback designs and my long term satisfaction with the equipment.

Non-zero feedback designs that I have dealt with and discarded because of aural issues:

1. Rowland capri
2. Rowland Synergy 2i
3. CJ MV-60SE
4. Linn Klimax
5. Nagra PLL

Besides the CJ above, which I lived with for a year, I got rid of the other equipment within a matter of months, if not weeks.

Equipment, I have had a long term relationship with:

1. CJ Premier 14 (3-4 years)
2. Nagra VPA (bought it and never got rid of)
3. Ayre A7 integrated
4. Ayre KX-R
5. Dartzeel nhb-108

I did not start out with any biases towards non-zero feedback designs ... in fact it was the other way around. I would always (and still do) peruse the distortion measurements of equipment in Sterophile, Soundstage, and I had a strong bias against zero feedback designs, as they showed up poorly in the measurements department.

My ears simply lead me to the equipment that I now have.

Of course it is also possible that I am highly suggestible, and I am the one with the tin-ear.
pinkus
144 posts
 
Guido,

of course feedback can be applied to preamps, and in fact most do ! If your preamp uses an opam for volume control, then most likely your preamp is using lots of feedback.

I wish I had your ears :-) That way I could get rid of the KX-R and just go with a Capri.

Thanks
pinkus
144 posts
 
Guido,

I have had 2 CJ preamps in my system: the venerable CJ Premier 14 and later the Premier 17LS2. To my ears, as advertized, the CJ's sound just right !

The Ayre KX-R to my ears has a similar sound ... just better, with lower noise, better bass, and less hassle. I am done with my preamp quest. I am not looking for a replacement.

I assume you are fond of CJ preamps, and if so, there is some common ground between us.
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