I am currently using tube Audio Research Reference 2 MKI with SS Pass Aleph 2. They are working pretty well. Both gears are sweet, smooth and warm. The only weakness from Aleph 2 that I can think about is the bass control. However, I use a Genesis G-500 active woofer speakers to make up my weakness. I am also thinking about to upgrade my power amp and speakers to Pass XA160/XA200 and Cello Master Strad (passive) in the future. In my opinion, the tube preamp + SS power amp combo is the best way to get the warm/sweet tube sound and also maintain a good bass control.
Tube Pre and Solid Amp
I wonder if tube pre must match with tube amp. How about tube pre and solid amp? I look into this question from the point of system reliability. I think the latest best solid amp can reproduce 95% of best tube amp. So a solid amp is a better subsitution for tube amp in terms of reliability, duability, maintenance free, isn't it?
I have a Krell PAM-3/KSA50. A pretty old solid combination. I am considering upgrade it with VAC tube preamp and Pass Labs XA160. Hope this will get somewhere I enjoy the warm and musical sound of tube and the punch, power and above mentioned advantages of solid. Any comment.
I have a Krell PAM-3/KSA50. A pretty old solid combination. I am considering upgrade it with VAC tube preamp and Pass Labs XA160. Hope this will get somewhere I enjoy the warm and musical sound of tube and the punch, power and above mentioned advantages of solid. Any comment.