Getting started w/ tube equipment


I am interested in tubed components and, knowing nothing about them, am wondering what a good place to start is.

Some reference material that might explain advantages/disadvantages to integrated or separate.

What to look for to match components and perhaps some suggestions for a good place to start (brand, model, etc.)

I recognize this is highly subjective based on individual style and preference, rooms, etc. but i need to start somewhere...

Thanks.
botit

Showing 1 response by newbee

Assuming that your speakers are compatible with tube amps, and many are not, I would start with something both reliable and easy to play with.

Depending on your expectations, getting good sounding tube based audio systems can be seen as a black art. Because of the ability to simply change tube brands/types to get a different tone you have unlocked not only the possibility to get the sound you want without continually changing amps/pre-amps/sources, etc, to do so, but unfortunately, a Pandora's box if you are too ambitious in the beginning. You must also have or develope a frame of reference for the sound quality you are seeking. I would NOT start out with tubed separates even though they may have greater potential in the long run.

Personally, if they were compatible with my speakers, I would start out with an integrated unit. You won't loose that much quality in comparison with separates (more flexibility, potential improvement in sonic quality, build quality, in system building, but also with all of the added interface issues and costs).

A Primaluna integrated would be a good place to begin. They are very reliable, very easy to maintain, very easy to change tubes, not too expensive, and very easy to resell if or when you want to move on. Don't get caught up in that anti-Chinese stuff. The are great place to START.

If all you want to do is buy good plug and play tubed stuff this is a good place to start and probably finish.

Hope that helps a tad, at least.