Hi Todd, Sonic Frontiers Line Series of pre-amps do not sound "tubey" at all, ie no euphonic colorations, in fact they are quite neutral, smooth, detailed, and with good soundstaging. I use the Line 2 with a McCormack DNA-2DX amplifier, and actually the amp sounds more tubey than the pre-amp. However, you can change the sound/music character just by changing the pre-amp tubes, ie if you want the tubey sound you can get it. But I prefer the stock-- and very neutral-- Sovtek 6922s. I also use the SF Line 1 with McCormack DNA.5 with good results. To answer your question more directly, I prefer the tubes at the pre-amp stage, because I want the bass control of a good solid state amp-- works for me. A good tube pre-amp can project a huge soundstage depending on tubes used. I use Vandersteen 2Ce and 3A sig. speakers. Happy Hunting. Craig
Tubes? OH YES!!! But where? Hmmm....
I'm right now running Vandy 1Bs with an aragon 24k with vertically biamped dynaco st70s. I'd like to know if the soundstage will change significantly if I switch to tubes in the preamp stage and get a solid line amp. I don't really want tubes in both stages as it becomes too mellow for me. What are the differences in having tubes in the amp stage and tube in the preamp stage?