For tube sound, which is more important: preamp or power amp?


I have always loved the “tube sound” - warmth, midrange, soundstage. Through the years (since about 1975), I have owned many tube and solid state amps and preamps, in various combinations. Presently, I have a tube amp and a solid state preamp. But like most of you, I am thinking of making changes, again.  Not to cloud the discussion, the specific brands are not important.  I also listen to acoustic music, females vocals, love mini monitors, EL34s, NOS tubes, and don’t care that much about bass.  So you can see that my taste fits the tube sound very well. But I have had systems that are too warm, not enough dynamics or details, and fat in the low end, too.

okay, now to the discussion.  To produce the tube sound, which is more important: the preamp or the power amp?  Let’s talk in general, and (if possible? May not be) not tied to one specific piece/brand/model of equipment.  I know there are exceptions to any general rule.  Not sure if it makes a difference to your comments, but I have no phono and am running line stage only.

As an attempt to prevent the conversation as going in a big tangent, let’s assume equality of price/quality. i.e. not comparing a $10k power amps contribution to a system to that of a $1k preamp.  Let’s also assume that the amp (tube or solid state) can drive the speakers just fine, such that compatibility does not limit the decision. And ignore mono blocks versus stereo amp differences.  

two follow ons: I have  the perception that preamps give you more bang for the buck - meaning that it takes less money to get a great tube preamp compared to a great tube amp.  Agree/disagree? And second, I have never owned a tube dac or CD player, and will assume that tubes in either of these is less critical than in a preamp or power amp. Agree/disagree?

i am interested in your thoughts.

Bill
meiatflask

Showing 4 responses by jond

I have both a tubed amp and preamp and have had several of both over the years and to me the preamp has made the biggest difference always.
@danoroo  Are you running Paradigm Persona B's? If so are you sure you really need 100 tube watts? They list at 92db sensitivity and 8 ohms. Looking at used moderately powered tube amps in your price range listed here this jumped out at me:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-tube-monoblocks-lots-of-positive-reviews-4-000-msrp-2017-11-1...

No affiliation with the seller just looks like a lot of amp for the money from a well regarded company. Good luck and happy listening!
@danoroo As Charles has stated those Sophia amps will have no trouble at all driving your speakers at 98db sensitivity they were designed to be driven by tubes. And you will find 22 tube watts to sound much more powerful than you might expect. I am driving 93db speakers with 17 tube watts as loud as I could stand to listen no problem. And thanks Charles it was pretty easy actually.  Tube Amp category and sort price low to high, under $2K they really jumped out at me! Good luck danaroo and you really do have tons of options with such easy to drive speakers!
@danoroo Yes this is typical tube amps never measure as well as SS amps, however they often sound better. I would caution you to not buy gear solely based on specs.