Solid State Preamps Vs. Tube Preamps

[doggiehowser]

I can't help much on the choice of preamps for the Sophia but my impressions were that the ARC Reference 75 weren't a particularly good match for the bigger XLFs from my recollection. It felt that there was hardly any bass coming through at all when I was listening in the showroom. I suspect it might have needed a gutsier amp to get the XLFs to shine.

So perhaps your bass underperfoming might have to do with lack of power?

Best to audition if you can.

Back to SS vs Tube... I have my current study system hooked up to allow me to switch to both.

I have my Playback MPS-5 hooked to a SS preamp (Bel Canto Pre3) which is always on and that's also hooked to a pair of Bel Canto REF500Ms which are also always on - driving a pair of KEF LS50s.

I do this so I can always flick the Pre3 to the right input and have music playing from my music server (Mac Mini 2012 i7 2.6GHz QuadCore 16GB RAM 256GB SSD running JRiver) on short notice.

For the most part, this is how I listen to that system when I am not listening intently.

It sounds generally quite impressive.

But on days like today when I have the option to listen intently, I flick on the Ayon CD5S as a preamp and run the MPS-5 through the Ayon's valve preamp stage before feeding the Bel Canto power amps.

With the Ayon in the chain - the soundstage is just transformed. With a deeper soundstage and there's just this presence, this solidity - like the singer is just smack in front of you. It's almost like magic.

[roh008]

I was introduced to this forum by someone I purchased some equipment from..
..I can't believe I did not know about this place sooner!

Am currently deciding on a DAC and Pre and this thread has some great information here!

Thanks

Roh

[Masterlu]

roh008... Welcome to AA!

[Truemaineiac]

Originally Posted by Mikeoz

Nope I'm looking to change the preamp next. No issue with the Krell.

You have a great pre-amp.

[roh008]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

With the Ayon in the chain - the soundstage is just transformed. With a deeper soundstage and there's just this presence, this solidity - like the singer is just smack in front of you. It's almost like magic.

Hi Doggie (are you on SNA as well?)

Just wondering why you would not like to listen to this all the time then?

Thanks

Roh

[Mikeoz]

Originally Posted by Truemaineiac

You have a great pre-amp.

Thanks - I don't have a problem with the sound but do wonder what difference a change would make and whether it's holding things back. In particular I'm interested to see what impact a top quality SS pre would make. I image a Ref5 would give me 'more of the same'

[MtnHam]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

This has me thinking, Solid State vs. Tube (preamps).
I thought I'd pose this question an see what other AA members have to say about solid state vs. tube, and their personal experience.

There is no simple answer to this question. I have owned several high quality preamps of both types. Your budget and listening habits must be considered. Since I listen throughout the day every day, SS is my current choice. It's a Ayre KXR, IMO, one of the best, and also pricey! It allows me to leave it on 24/7, so it's always ready to deliver peak performance, and there is nothing given up compared to a tube pre. However, my phono pre is an ARC Ref2SE. It needs about an hour to really warm up, and, according to ARC, requires tube replacement at 2,000 hours for the big ones, 5,000 for the small tubes. 2,000 hours = 2 years the way I use it, OK with me. And, I believe it betters any SS phono pre I know of.

[paul1]

Originally Posted by roh008

I was introduced to this forum by someone I purchased some equipment from.. ..I can't believe I did not know about this place sooner! Am currently deciding on a DAC and Pre and this thread has some great information here! Thanks Roh

Thought you might be impressed mate good to see you here regards

[doggiehowser]

Originally Posted by roh008

Hi Doggie (are you on SNA as well?) Just wondering why you would not like to listen to this all the time then? Thanks Roh

Yes on SNA as well.

The Ayon does time to warm up so you need to allocate a fair bit of time to listen.

[MtnHam]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

The Ayon does time to warm up so you need to allocate a fair bit of time to listen.

This is a major issue for me with tube gear in general. While I love tubes, deciding if I have enough time available for serious listening to warrant turning the gear on and waiting for "the warm-up." All too often, distractions happen and the listening gets compromised, postponed or skipped, and thus a waste of precious tube life. With SS it's ready 24/7, and thus gets enjoyed much more often. Today's best SS gear does not need to be a compromise.