Is this tube sound????


I have just purchased a Jolida 1501 hybrid amp and I need some input from everyone. I've always owned ss amps so I decided to ease into the tubes with the inexpensive Jolida. Vocal artist such as Krall, Buble and others sound great but on other disc such as Kenny Chesney, Billy Joel and Toby Keith the vocals really seem to be in your face with the music not as defined and distinct. My previous amp was a Rotel 1080 and it overall was pretty neutral but a little harsh on the top end. Is this the sound of tube gear or possibly just the actual tubes.

A little more info.... I have Totem Forest speakers and I have a wide variety of music taste at moderate listening levels. I have read that the stock tubes in the Jolida are not great but I didn't want to start the rolling without a little advice.

I'm new to this so I would appreciate any help
tigermark89

Showing 1 response by nsgarch

I'll probably start something, but IMO, if you want to know what tubes sound like, you need a tube AMP! The preamp can be to taste. This because the sonic character of a system is determined first and foremost by the speakers (natch!) AND the amp. Everything else has its effect but secondary to those two. There's nothing wrong going with an integrated, but if you want tube sound, then the amp section needs to be tube.