I think you should try both designs as the old line between solid-state and tubes has been blurred. Most good designs these days are relatively neutral in tonal balance but you can still find the old "tube sound" or "solid-state" sound if you want it. IMO, it is good to get tubes somewhere in your system, and if so, tubes are much better suited to voltage gain (preamp or input stage of power amp) than they are at current gain (output stage of power amps). I have had Conrad-Johnson, CAT, and Essence tube amps and they do all of the things SS amps do. However, since you have a tubed CD player output (don't know if they are voltage gain or cathode followers), a good SS design may be just fine. I think you are correct in listening to both and see what you like best.
What is a better route, tube or SS preamp?
Hi everyone! I recently unloaded all of my home theatre gear, and am concentrating on a 2 channel stereo system. So far I have a shanling cd-80, a naim 150 amp, Martin logan aerius loudspeakers, and a carver ct-17 preamp. I'm looking to replace the preamp, however, I'm not sure wether I should go solid state or tube. I know I need to demo some of both, but I wanted some opinions or if anyone has prior experience in this matter. Right now my amp is a SS and my cd has tube output. Everything sounds pretty good, but I want it to sound great!
Also, I will mostly be listening to a lot of hard rock and heavy metal, but also a lot of classic rock as well..
Lastly, I am aware of the amp input impedance and preamp output impedance ratio for both tube and SS. Is there anything else I should consider when pairing an amp and preamp?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks everyone!
Also, I will mostly be listening to a lot of hard rock and heavy metal, but also a lot of classic rock as well..
Lastly, I am aware of the amp input impedance and preamp output impedance ratio for both tube and SS. Is there anything else I should consider when pairing an amp and preamp?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks everyone!