For those of you with tube preamps and solid state power amps...


Hi everyone,

Over the last year or so, I have ventured from integrated amps into a tube pre/solid state power combo a couple of times.  While the experiments didn't ultimately work out due to problems with some of the used gear that I purchased, I I came across the dilemma of needing to power down the amp before the preamp.  In my experience, solid state amps always sound better after being on for a while and sound best when left on all the time.  However, I obviously wouldn't leave the tube pre on all the time  Is there any way around this?  For example, amps that can be muted briefly while the preamp is turned off?  I appreciate any input from happy owners of tube pre/SS power combos.  Thanks!
smrex13

Showing 1 response by mapman

I leave my SS Class D amps on all the time except if I know I will not be using them for awhile.  The product manual recommends this (Bel Canto) .   Class D amps consume very little power when idle so no issues with running up the electric bill either.

Pre-amp is tube Audio Research sp-16.   I turn that on only when needed mainly to preserve tube life.

So different things possible depending on details of exactly what gear is used.

Cheers!