Solid State Preamps Vs. Tube Preamps

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Alberto

There is no simple answer. For my ears, with B&W speakers (very revealing), a bit of smoothing from a tube amps would be nice. On the other hand, since you have B&W you might like very revealing sound.

If you listen a lot (several hours a day) a small amount of edginess in the sound can become an issue - especially with some recordings. I listen a lot everyday, so I am all tubes.

Alberto

Thank you Alberto.

[essjay]

Grasshopper

interesting post indeed as I am currently trying to talk myself out of doing the exact same thing.

in my case i am strongly considering the Cary Audio SLP 05 which seems to have rave reviews around the world and is considered some of Cary;s best work but I am concerned at not liking it because of the high costs involved in the gamble and the fact I can not audition one locally.

However I suspect that a good tube pre with a good SS back end may just be the ticket to the next level of audio nirvana for me, the best of both worlds really.

please do let us all know what direction you go in and what the results are , as i am sure there are many other likes us wondering the same thing.

[fgchong]

Originally Posted by essjay

Grasshopper
However I suspect that a good tube pre with a good SS back end may just be the ticket to the next level of audio nirvana for me, the best of both worlds really.

I have tried many combination of pre & power amps for many years; all ss pre/power, all tube pre/power, tube pre/ss power and ss pre/tube power. IMO, tube pre and ss power will give you the best tonal mix of smooth and silky with details and dynamics. Currently I using a ARC Ref 10 replacing the ageing CJ ACT2 to drive a pair of Goldmund Telos 250. The Goldmund match pretty well with either of the tubes pre-amps.

[prepress]

Grasshopper, it would also be relevant to consider what type of music you listen to and at what volume. Certainly the experience of others differs from mine, but so do their systems and rooms. I listen to all kinds of music, so versatility comes into play.

In theory, a tube preamp with a solid state amp gives the best of both worlds, and at the moment I'd agree. Having tweaked the bass on my 2300 has made things really nice so far. And several here have 2300s with 501s and are quite satisfied.

[Grasshopper]

I like everything from acoustic guitar, country (modern and twangy), smooth jazz, some newer stuff like Cake and Radiohead, rock, hip hop and even the occasional rap. Taste varies based on mood.

I like a lot of bass slam, and I love both low volume listening (with dynamics) but I also like to crank it. With my current setup, cranking it leads to fatiguing after not too long. I assume tubes would smooth this out, but I really worry I may lose some slam, particularly when I'm trying to rock out.

Originally Posted by prepress

Grasshopper, it would also be relevant to consider what type of music you listen to and at what volume. Certainly the experience of others differs from mine, but so do their systems and rooms. I listen to all kinds of music, so versatility comes into play.

In theory, a tube preamp with a solid state amp gives the best of both worlds, and at the moment I'd agree. Having tweaked the bass on my 2300 has made things really nice so far. And several here have 2300s with 501s and are quite satisfied.

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by prepress

Grasshopper, it would also be relevant to consider what type of music you listen to and at what volume. Certainly the experience of others differs from mine, but so do their systems and rooms. I listen to all kinds of music, so versatility comes into play.

In theory, a tube preamp with a solid state amp gives the best of both worlds, and at the moment I'd agree. Having tweaked the bass on my 2300 has made things really nice so far. And several here have 2300s with 501s and are quite satisfied.

Is there a genre of music that favors solid state, and same for tubes?

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Is there a genre of music that favors solid state, and same for tubes?

IMO: Yes.

Jazz and Soul: Tubes

Rock and Classical: Solid state

Folk and Country: It don't matter none I reckon'

RAP: Class-D Yo!

I am not sure about New Age or other such genres.

Alberto

PS

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Alberto

RAP: Class-D Yo!

Alberto.......

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Alberto

IMO: Yes.

Jazz and Soul: Tubes

Rock and Classical: Solid state

Folk and Country: It don't matter none I reckon'

RAP: Class-D Yo!

I am not sure about New Age or other such genres.

Alberto

PS

That was an awesome description!

I reckon'

[Grasshopper]

Based on this reply, I assume the tubes smooth out the music (at the expense of bass slam). This is why I am struggling with the decision as I'd like both.

Is something like the Peachtree Grand Pre a quality solution? The option of turning the tubes on and off is intriguing, but I haven't hear many opinions for how it stacks up against Mcintosh or equivalent preamps.

Originally Posted by Alberto

IMO: Yes.

Jazz and Soul: Tubes

Rock and Classical: Solid state

Folk and Country: It don't matter none I reckon'

RAP: Class-D Yo!

I am not sure about New Age or other such genres.

Alberto

PS