Tube-Curious/Pre-amp
Hi guys
I've been toying with the idea of tubes for a while, and was wondering if a tube pre-amp would be worthwhile pairing with my Class A/B integrated - Atoll IN200 Signature (the Atoll has the function to bypass its own internal pre-amp section, and pair the power section with an external pre-amp).
I predominantly listen to Jazz (all eras, all flavours) and am very interested to hear what tubes would bring me; I've casually read around, and the description of sound from reviewers and regular users does appeal to me greatly.
I am aware of the Schiit Freya +, and from what I can make out, with some tube swapping, the Freya can produce some good results; but apart from this I'm not really sure what I should be looking at. I'm not looking to spend multiple thousands on this little side interest, or replace my Atoll./Solid State, but to just give myself an exposure to tubes in my audio chain.
The other option I suppose, is to look at the offerings from Willsenton as an additional integrated, such as the R300 (this seems to be well received, and at a reasonable price tag).
Any advice/guidance gratefully received
Thanks very much 👍
Given this statement I’d strongly encourage you to go full bore and get a Willsenton tube integrated amplifier. The Triangle speakers are generally said to be tube amplifier friendly and easily driven. I don’t know if their 300b SET would be suitable (Depends on several variables). They do have push-pull amplifiers that I believe would pair well with your speakers. Your jazz musicians will come to life via their recordings . This is a good path to take.A tube preamplifier is fine but a half step in my opinion if you are seeking the full tube experience. Charles |
Yes, a tube pre-amp paired to a solid state power amp is the best way to use tubes. Tube power amps that get it right are expensive, and maintaining a power tube complement can be a pain, to your wallet among other things. My Van Alstine Transcendence RB10 preamp feeds a FirstWatt F8. The sound is both uncolored one way or the other and also musical. |
I recently switched from a solid state system to tubes, moving from an NAD integrated amp (356BEE) as my preamp and a McIntosh MC2120 power amp to a a Rogue Audio RP-7 preamp and Rogue Stereo 100 tube power amplifier. I first replaced the NAD with a Rogue RP-1 and was pleased by the difference a decent tube preamp.made in the sound quality: a few months later, I replaced the 44-year old McIntosh power amp with a Benchmark SS AHB2 power amp, which made a further improvement. However, after listening to an all tube system—admittedly, further up the cost chain—I decided to replace both units with the Rogue Audio RP-7 preamplifier and the Stereo 100 Dark power amplifier, driving Fyne Audio F-702 speakers (made there in the UK, in Scotland). The improvement over the initial upgrades was astounding. The music seems much more clear, much more “organic” and “really there.” (I listen to classical—Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Richard Strauss, and others, soft rock, vocals, and some jazz.). Having attended numerous live classical concerts over the years, my system now comes much closer to replicating live music—although it is still a good bit away from it. Lateral dispersion and instrument placement is excellent, as is the depth of the sound stage. I must do more listening and let the Stereo 100 fully “burn in,” but I—and my wife—are already very, very pleased by the sound the equipment is reproducing. In my case, moving to a tube system achieved and even greater improvement in SQ than I had anticipated. |
