2. amps-preamps
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Tube Preamp/solid pwr amp or solid pre/ tube pwr

This is probably an old question but I dont see any threads. I presently have a CJ Tube Preamp/solid pwr amp which I quite like, but I am re-evaluating the whole setup since I picked up a pair of Nautilus 802s / Ayre CD player. It is obviously a matter of sound preference but I would like to get some views of what each setup would bring - pros and cons.
Appreciate it.
J.
128x128johnmc67

Showing 2 responses by rhljazz

rhljazz
1,249 posts
 
Keep the tube pre. Buy W4S stereo or mono amps and enjoy.
rhljazz
1,249 posts
 
Lots of advice offered both good and bad. You might look to see how many own N802's. I did, and they all own something else. So, there's a lot of conjecture going on.

The idea of Classe being a dream match is just that, a dream. I had Classe amps and I had decent sound. Ultimately too lean through the midbass and lower midrange and a propensity for midrange glare. The W4S amp trumps them in every category.

The VAC tube amp is not bad at all on the N802, better then the Classe but not as good as the W4S.

Let me make it clear, I'm not saying the W4S is the best SS amp, it is the best match I've heard on the N802 coupled with a tube preamp. My W4S amp does have the WBT output terminals and I use a power cord that cost as much as the amp so that may skew the results of someone else using a different configuration. The results speak/sound for themselves.
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