Op, Not sure what your sources are but I use a digital library and Qobuz. So....from DAC to SS amp was too clinical sounding and when I added a Tube Preamp the sound that I like was perfect. Its personal taste how crisp vs how smooth someone prefers. Perhaps borrowing one or doing a risk free trial is in order? IMHO it is a question only your ears can answer. Best of luck....cheers.
Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp?
Greetings!
I’ve seen some folks using Tube Preamps with Solid State Am ps. I’m thinking of doing that with my system as part of an incremental change. I currently have a Parasound P5 preamp with a Parasound A21 driving Klipsch Cornwall 4’s. Will a decent / good Tube Preamp really make a difference in my sound? I enjoy what I have now but really want to experience Tubes in my system. Thanks!
I’ve seen some folks using Tube Preamps with Solid State Am ps. I’m thinking of doing that with my system as part of an incremental change. I currently have a Parasound P5 preamp with a Parasound A21 driving Klipsch Cornwall 4’s. Will a decent / good Tube Preamp really make a difference in my sound? I enjoy what I have now but really want to experience Tubes in my system. Thanks!
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- 147 posts total
Klipsch famously plays well with tubes and with McIntosh. A restored vintage McIntosh tube preamp like the C20 or C22 and/or a McIntosh tube amplifier would take that system to a new level. Check Audio Classics or McIntosh Audio (where I got my MA6200) and I think you will be more than satisfied with the results. |
Why look for incremental when for $3k you can have quantum leap? Actually that is full retail. Net of selling what you have would cost next to nothing to transform your system to full tube glory. https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/blackhawk-mk3/ |
I had driven Raal Sr1a with Jot R ss amp with exciting result but sometimes it got too close to hot. Thus I had tried Schitt Freya(only 900$ but way better than its price) in front of Jot R with satisfaction. It makes sr1a sound relaxed and musical. Schitt give 15 day’s return. Stock 6sn7 tube does sound decent, but if you like the sound of Freya then you may try some Nos tubes(Sylvania GTB or RCA gray bottle around 100$ pair or Kenrad vt 231 at 200$ pair) Kenrad vt231 sounds sweet with excellent bass. You may refer to the following thread on general reputation of 6sn7 tubes. 6SN7 VT The Reference 6SN7 Thread |
- 147 posts total