tube/ss

[ltleo]

whats your take, a tube pre amp with a ss amp, or the other way around.

or are you just a tube, or ss kinda mc guy

I found I like the control of the ss amp, but crave the breath of a tube preamp. thus my c2300 and 501.

your thoughts?

[PHC1]

Most definetely tubes on tubes and solid state on solid state when it comes to McIntosh synergy. As always, that is my preference, my ears, my system, etc...

[gregswaim]

I like my MC2102/MCD500 combo for digital playback- no preamp. I like SS for analog, so I have a second system in my master bedroom.
Since I've replaced my MCD201 with a new MCD500in my main system, the 201 was moved to my second system so that was a compromise- I prefer tubes for digital playback.

[ltleo]

interesting, what about tubes do you prefer with digital, if you dont mind me asking?

[JemHadar]

Solid State, but only if balanced all the way...my little contribution to bringing balance to the universe

[ltleo]

I my self have just switched to balanced. And dam did it cost. Audience balance is a true balance, thus their balance is about twice the cost of their un. ouch. didnt know that till after I placed the order lol

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by ltleo

interesting, what about tubes do you prefer with digital, if you dont mind me asking?

Digital stuff seems to have a "edge" about it that's not quite right,at least to me, and tubes seem to take take care of that for me. I auditioned a number of preamps-mostly tubes/1-SS, and concluded that I was better off just using my MC2102/MCD500 combo for digital play back. I use all balanced plugs for my main system, my second system only has provisions for unbalanced so I use the best RCA's that I could find for the job.

[Still-One]

I not only prefer the sound of SS, I do not want to deal with the hassle or long term cost of tubes. Now I am not saying I have not heard nor enjoyed listening to some very nice tube set-ups, so do not think I am saying they are bad or there is anything wrong with your system. Yes they give some warmth to the mids but when I listen I do not hear the highs or the grip on the low end.

Okay, go ahead.. Ready, aim, fire

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by Stillone

I not only prefer the sound of SS, I do not want to deal with the hassle or long term cost of tubes. Now I am not saying I have not heard nor enjoyed listening to some very nice tube set-ups, so do not think I am saying they are bad or there is anything wrong with your system. Yes they give some warmth to the mids but when I listen I do not hear the highs or the grip on the low end.

Okay, go ahead.. Ready, aim, fire

No worries Jim, everyone here is allowed their own opinions without the fear of censorship like that other forum. Besides, it wouldn't any fun if everyone felt the same way about everything because then there would be nobody to pick on- just kidding of course!
By having the MC2102, I realize that I'm in a minority- most MAC owners of newer amps have SS anyway and a lot of those owners do tend to favor tube preamps though. Just a casual observation.

[two dot]

Interesting thread... a lot of good opinions here!

I think that it all depends on your speakers and most importantly your room.

I love my 501's with the 2200 Pre. But also have NO DOUBT that I would love Greg's Tube set up or Jim's SS set up.

Or the Lamm's in Serges system or the SS in Ivans...

You get the idea.