2. amps-preamps
  3. 1345270360

tube preamp in SS receiver loop

From noob, a very basic and probably very stupid question that I can't seem to find answered elsewhere:

I want to experiment with inexpensive tube sound to augment a modest solid state receiver. I have looked at tube buffers marketed expressly for that purpose, that is, for those who want to insert tube "warmth," which I know is a kind of distortion that many hate, into solid state setups (e.g., the Grant Fidelity B-283). But I would like a tube phono stage as well. So I am looking at a tube preamp with one line level input and one RIAA input. But I would like to use it on all the line level sources coming through the receiver (tuner, CD, computer, ipod, whatever), so it would go between the pre out and main in on the receiver, or else in the tape loop. In other words, the line level signal would go through the SS preamp, then the tubed one (the turntable would of course go straight into the tube preamp). Is it kosher to use a preamp in this way? That is, as a buffer stage that comes after the solid state receiver's preamp circuit? In other words, can you use a variable gain preamp as a (passive?) buffer? Clearly I have no idea what I'm talking about. Thanks for any thoughts you may have.
vesuvio

Showing 1 response by newbee

newbee
4,751 posts
 
Well you can put a tube buffer device in the tape loop to get some tube effect. That is a good place because you can easily hear the difference in an A/B comparison of its effect on any particular recording/source. It would be my preferred location.

You can also get a seperate tube phono stage and just plug it into one of the AUX imputs of your reciever, but before doing so you will be able to hear the recievers phono stage (if it has one) sound with the tube buffer you put in the tape loop. Seperate tube phono stages can be difficult and expensive. One would not be my first choice unless it were going to be a major source.

FWIW
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