[blackacex2]

I've recently been looking into stepping up the quality of my electronics. I'm very curious about the use of tubes in pre-amplifiers and what type of benefits this offers over a solid state preamp. Also, is using a tube preamp with a solid state amp advisable? I'm very curious about this.


How do tubes affect sound quality? Do they add distortion or unrealistically color the sound?


Expert opinions and advice is appreciated.

 

[JOHNnDENVER]

This really has been beat to death. Probably why there are no responses.

Tube pre-amps with solid state power amps is a nice combo for sure, so is tube pre-amp and tube power amp, so is solid state pre-amp and solid state power amp.


Tube pre-amps can color, what you generally get are all these subtle harmonic type colorings, I refuse to call it distortion, and indeed this can reveal a wonderfull warmer, thicker, fuller audio experience.


You really need to experience it first hand before diving in.

 

[goatwuss]

BHlackacex -


What I would suggest you do is take a consultative approach of your entire stereo system.


I'm assuming you are talking about 2 channel?


Before changing any component - it is crucial that you know:

* what you like about your current results

* what you don't like about your current results


Will a tube preamp make your stereo sound better? Maybe - but it depends what's wrong with it right now. As with SS - there is no tube "sound" that every tube component shares. Tube systems sounding "warm, syrupy" is a thing of the past for the most part... a 40W EL34 amp will likely still have this signature... but there are many, many different designs with valves, and the right one to choose (or any at all) depends on your current system - for compatibility and for improving your perceived weaknesses.


If you are serious - reply to this thread and I will help you out. If so - please describe exactly what components are in your system, and a description (photos are better) of your room. Also A description of your current result's strenghs, as well as weaknesses. Finally, your taste in music genres.

 

[jkcheng122]

differences in sound quality aside, you also have to take account the high-maintainance aspects of tube amps and whether it is worth gettin into over what SS amps can provide.


tubes have quite the limited lifespan and makes you feel u have to conserve ur listening time. and they're expensive to replace when they lose their effectiveness. it also takes sometime to warmup when u do use em, like up to an hour to reach full potential after turning on the amps.


this is from personal experience of owning a set of audio research pre and power amps powering a set of martin logan electorstats.

 

[blackacex2]

I'm more interested in tubes in case I upgrade my audio system to something like the b&w 800 series with mcintosh components. My current system I wouldn't spend the cash for esoteric type electronics.


Anyhow, it sounds like tubes can be a pain in the rear. But people in pro audio are completely obsessed with them and few people record without them. I'm wondering if this translates over to audio. I'm sorry if this topic has been 'beat to death'... this is my first time really considering it. I'm certain there is great reason so many swear by the "tube" sound but I guess I will have to experience it for myself.


About preamps in general, what do they do exactly besides provide gain? I'm talking about stereo listening.

 

[scorch123]



Quote:
Originally Posted by blackacex2 /forum/post/0


My current system I wouldn't spend the cash for esoteric type electronics.

... then don't. You may end up in "upgrade-itis" across your entire system, and that's expensive.

Quote:
Originally Posted by blackacex2 /forum/post/0


Anyhow, it sounds like tubes can be a pain in the rear. But people in pro audio are completely obsessed with them and few people record without them. I'm wondering if this translates over to audio. I'm sorry if this topic has been 'beat to death'... this is my first time really considering it. I'm certain there is great reason so many swear by the "tube" sound but I guess I will have to experience it for myself.

From what I have read on pro audio recording forums, you'll get just as much debate about solid state equipment as well. See if there are local audio clubs/get-together in your neck of the woods. Audio shows which are open to the general public can give you a LOT of variety to listen to as well. Don't forget local shops which have a balance between tubes and solid state. You will have to experience it for yourself, in your own setup, to make that final decision with your wallet (or soldering iron).

Quote:
Originally Posted by blackacex2 /forum/post/0


About preamps in general, what do they do exactly besides provide gain? I'm talking about stereo listening.

Preamps provide volume control (ideally) without adding or subtracting anything from the input signal, and properly interface your source(s) and amp(s).


Not all preamps are even active - there are passive preamps, transformer-based, even purely resistive attenuators, too. In my opinion, if you have a single source such as a CD player which has a variable output stage which can drive your amps directly - that's ideal.


Other features like source switching, remote control, phase control, channel balance/trim, phono input, balanced/unbalanced connectivity, even battery power supply, are also things to consider if you need them...


- Steve O.

 

[J_Palmer_Cass]



Quote:
Originally Posted by blackacex2 /forum/post/0


I'm more interested in tubes in case I upgrade my audio system to something like the b&w 800 series with mcintosh components. My current system I wouldn't spend the cash for esoteric type electronics.


Anyhow, it sounds like tubes can be a pain in the rear. But people in pro audio are completely obsessed with them and few people record without them. I'm wondering if this translates over to audio. I'm sorry if this topic has been 'beat to death'... this is my first time really considering it. I'm certain there is great reason so many swear by the "tube" sound but I guess I will have to experience it for myself.


About preamps in general, what do they do exactly besides provide gain? I'm talking about stereo listening.

What do tube preamps do beside provide gain. They provide MAGIC of course!


Many people swear that lot of things are "facts". That does not make anything a fact.


If you want to become "obsessed" with chasing something that does not exist, just get that checkbook out. There are many people who will be glad to validate your "obsession" while they empty your checking account!

 

[goatwuss]

"I'm certain there is great reason so many swear by the "tube" sound but I guess I will have to experience it for myself. "


Experienced audiophiles don't "swear by" any general technology. They "swear by" a methodology and intelligent approach that leads to a complete system and environment with high performance. Whether or not a tube component will serve a constructive purpose in a stereo installation is dependant on many variables and considerations.


It sounds like you are new to hifi - so just be very careful to believe anything you read on the web and don't experience firsthand. There is no substitute for going to a dealer, taking things home, and learning what you like/don't like. Audio forums are 90% BS so you've got to be careful. Any time you see someone heavily promoting a 'product' as opposed to an 'idea' - then that raises a red flag, and most likely that person has a vested interest.