2. amps-preamps
  3. 1202781950

SS Pre-Amp / Tube Amp

I have read a lot of threads through the years on tube pre-amps being a good match with solid state amps. What about the opposite? Can solid state pre-amps be a good match with tube amps? If yes, are there specific criteria to look at? I am venturing into the world of SET amps and am trying to figure out what all of my options are. Your comments are appreciated.
mrpaul

Showing 2 responses by sufentanil

sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
One of my very favorite combinations was as SS pre (Musical Fidelity A3cr) with tube amps (Audio Valve ppp45). Although, I agree, the conventional wisdom is the opposite, it worked very well for me.

I'm not sure what criteria (input/output impedance, etc) you should look for, but my experience demonstrates that it can, indeed, be done and sound terrific.

Michael
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
Dave, I disagree with your assertion that a SS pre and tube amp is "backwards". It was one of my best combinations. I went from a tube pre + tube amp to SS pre + SS amp. I couldn't believe the difference! (And the SS pre cost a lot less than the tube pre, to boot.) The bass was MUCH better, and so were the dynamics. That doesn't support your theory that the preamp is all about microdynamics and the poweramp is all about macrodynamics. In fact, I've learned just how tremendously preamps can influence the sound; indeed, in my system, the preamp is the most volatile part of the system, as I've gone through a number of preamps in the past few years.

Don't be afraid to try the "backwards" method; it has the potential to work very well.

Michael
More to discover