2. amps-preamps
  3. 1385593270

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 2 responses by newbee

newbee
4,798 posts
 
For someone who is not familiar with tube components and their issues, the best place to start is with a tubed pre-amp (IMHO).

However if you're up to getting the most/biggest differences from using tubes, a tubed CD source (or phono pre-amp for that matter) or, especially, amp is best. The source is easiest, just like a pre-amp. It is closer to maintenance free. But an amp is not for the faint hearted. It takes some knowledge in selection and maintenance to make it work for you. The lazy need not apply! :-)

Personally, I would, and for that matter do, use a tubed pre-amp and tubed amp matched to speakers which are easy for a tube amp to drive. My sources are selected independent of the ss/tubed issue and I can enjoy both. A good tubed integrated can also be an excellent choice. I've used them successfully for all but the most demanding 'audio' situations.
newbee
4,798 posts
 
Charles, Your experience has been fine, but is by no means universal. A major hurdle, IMHO, is matching the tube amps output impedance (curve) with the speakers frequency response. Not a simple issue for most, but especially for a tyro who has no experience with the wide range of possibilities available to him and can easily chose an amp that will sound like crap just because it is a tonal or electrical mismatch. He will need guidance by some one familiar with his speakers, his environment, as well as what he expects tonally. Just determining the type of amp he will enjoy most is no small task. A 300b amp is just one of many possibilities which will work fine.

Maintenance wise, the only really major issue, apart from the quality of the units themselves and their ability to provide long service with out premature failures, is, if one is not a techie and has an amp which blows out a resistor when he has a power tube failure has to truck the amp off to a repair shop or mail it somewhere for repairs. Simple repairs, not too expensive, but many tube amps are very heavy and a PITA to haul about. Now if he were a techie he could simply replace the resister himself. No big deal.

I think telling someone to just 'jump in, the waters fine', should only be given to someone to who has learned about the water, i.e. its depth, temp, and any hidden currents, so they will not just find themselves over their head and freezing after they jump in. :-)

FWIW I have several high power tube amps which are or have been, ultimately, fine boat anchors. ARC, Sonic Frontiers, Mesa, Cayin, and some I've probably forgot.

More to discover