I agree with the others about tube preamp and amp. I have owned a tube preamp (CJ Premier 17 LS), tube amp (McIntosh MC2102 which use KT88s output) and SS Sim Audio W5. I spend average 1-2 hours to listen between tube and SS amp. The tube amp after 30 min it sounds much much better than SS amp if you listen 2 or more hours long it sounds almost the same. SS amp does not sound excited after hours long. Tube amp sounds not only incredible but also absolutely musical and transparent. What can you say more about tube amp?
Which SS preamps will compete w/ tubes?
I have been looking for a preamp in the $2500.00 and under range. After about two weeks of looking I am more confused than before I started!!! I have a Sim titan amp and now am considering a sim P-5 preamp for music. What other preamps out there would be a good musical choice? I initially wanted tube but I am starting to get dizzy from all of the options. I do not want to be searching for a long time experimenting with tubes and dealing with replacing them. Is it worth the time and effort????