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Where do the tubes go?

I have so far been a solid state guy, but I am looking into another system, and I would like to give tubes a try.

1. Would most people recommend an all tube system, or do you recommend starting with only a tube component or two.

2. What are the relative merits and disadvantages of placing tubes at various stations in a system CD-->pre amp --> amp ?

For instance, I have read that some people feel that that the micro-distortion (pleasing though it may be) is excessively magnified if started at a source component then magnified through a bunch of high power solid state electronics. Others have advocated that having tubes early in your system gives the tube sound quality and allows for higher power, lower maintenance/heat solid state amplifiers.

For the tube experienced, how where should I start integrating tubes? (starting a new system so disregard concerns of mating to existing equipment).
aceofhearts

Showing 1 response by islandmandan

islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
My reply is, for the most part, good tube and good SS have more in common than not. In my case, I use a transformer-based passive line stage, a tube phono pre, and tube power amp(s).

It was not until I built suitable speakers for SET amps, that I really noticed the difference between tubes and SS, and push-pull tube amps.

The musicality of the 300B tube has opened up a richer connection with music than I've experienced before. It's something I recommend you experience. If you have a friend, or dealer, that has equipment that does justice to music as done by high-sensitivity speakers, and SET amps, go have listen.

Happy Thanksgiving, regards,
Dan
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