2. amps-preamps
  3. 127067-33675

What SS preamp compares to a tube preamp

I'm not sure I want to make this change, but only exploring options. I would like to keep this purchase under $3000 new or used and I think that's about the price point to make it worthwhile.....not sure though.
0
I started with a few AVR's, then went to a B&K ref 50 which is very nice, finally to a VTL 2.5. I'm currently using the VTL but with the price of some tubes I'm considering going back to solid state. I have a few tubes that sound really nice, Mullard 4003, 4024, 1950's Siemens, Valvo, Brimar, etc....I have found good sound but there's always a compromise. Once I hit the right mid range, I lose some top end, sometimes vice-versa. Also the gain on the 2.5 is excessive, fair amount of hiss and I know tube rush is a side effect but this is just excessive gain... 20 db. I have tried attenuators but they take a little top end from the sound.

I'm not giving up on tubes, but just would like to hear what others have tried that have been in this situation. I don't need HDMI but would be nice, mainly would like a remote. I don't think an AVR can do what I want but maybe a dedicated preamp.

I thought about an Anthem but they have mixed reviews.....not really sure where to look.

All input and criticism appreciated.
dyl71

Showing 4 responses by mb1audio

mb1audio
151 posts
 
Listen to an Aesthetix Calypso for a tube preamp that moves in the direction you're looking to go, and an Ayre K5 for the same thing in SS. Your current preamp is better than most, so I wouldn't sell it until you find something you know you'll like better.

If you can find an old copy of The Audio Perfectionist Journal, SB from TAS compared those 3 preamps, along with a few others. I almost never recommend reviews, but after listening to all 3 preamps, I think he got it right. Also, keep in mind that we pretty much have the same exact taste in equipment, so I'm sure that was a factor.
mb1audio
151 posts
 
" I enjoy the liquidity and richness of the tubes, I do like the detail of the SS preamps also....tough call."

After reading that, I thought I'd comment on the Ayre K-5 a bit more. Liquidity in an audio component is difficult to define. But the first thing that comes to mind, at least for me, when listening to Ayre in general, is liquidity. Its the cleanest, purest, most liquid SS gear I've ever heard. There's a complete lack of anything that sounds mechanical or electrical. But you still need to listen to it first. While it does have some traits that tubes are known for, you wouldn't mistake it for a tube preamp. You wouldn't mistake it for a typical SS preamp either. I have yet to hear any other brand, tube or SS, that sounds like Ayre. Because of its unique sound, I would say the Ayre is a must audition before you make a decision. 
mb1audio
151 posts
 
" Yeah, go ahead and do as they say, just don't blame me for waisted $3k."

That makes absolutely no sense. Your advice is to not buy a preamp. If the OP goes out and buys a new preamp and isn't happy with it, why would you be blamed for the mistake? 

Had you not said anything, I'm sure your post would have been completely forgotten, or at the very least, overlooked.

mb1audio
151 posts
 
" Tubes have varying degrees of coloration as do transistor components.  It just depends on what type of sound you are seeking. "

Not only that, but you can make the case that SS has a much wider range in "type" or "coloration" of sound than tubes. Consider SS power amps or preamps from these companies: Pass, Ayre, Levinson, Spectral, BAT, Rowland, ARC. SS products from any of these companies sound completely different from each other. I can't think of any brands of tube products that have as much diversity as the companies I listed. And that was just off the top my head. I'm sure we can come up with a lot more examples to add to the list. The point is, with such a diverse selection of sound, I see no reason why SS should be considered "better", or more "accurate" than tubes. If that was true, they woudldn't sound so different.
More to discover