Effective recommendations to add warmth & smoothness while keeping bass control


What are the most effective ways to add warmth or smoothness to the system while keeping bass punch and control? You could rank them as well and please provide examples?

1) Hybrid SS with tube buffer

2) Hybrid tube preamp stage with SS output stage

3) Tube preamp + SS amp

4) Tube amp

5) Class A SS amp with zero/low feedback

6) High bias Class A/AB with zero/low feedback

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I have struggled with the best sound for me and I finally nailed it. The Meitner MA3i, Pass XA-25, Volti Audio Lucera…perfect in every way, lately I have been going back and forth with the First Watt Sit-4, the XA-25 is better. Also taking the Pass XP-12 pre in and out still undecided on it..sorta leaning to take it out permanently.I tried the tube buffer from the company that was mentioned, sent it back. Don’t over think it simple is the way to go..

@charles007100 the preamp section in MA3i is excellent. If you have only one source you can easily do without a preamp. You’d have to introduce a preamp that’s a much higher level than XP-12 to make a significant improvement. 

I like the combination of a push pull class AB tube amp and sealed parallel subs and speakers. so no open ports. punch and warmth. 

@audphile1  How is your impression about CJ ET3?  Not SE model.  Do you agree with what the reviewers say about it?  I spot a deal but, according to the reviewers, it is an opposite side of sound I am after...  Thx.

https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/preamplifier/conrad-johnson-et3-tube-stereo-preamplifier-review/ 

 

Likes

  • Exceptional dynamics
  • Airy, shimmering treble
  • Affinity for rock music
  • Strong, punchy bass

Would Like To See

  • A bit less of that airy, shimmering treble
  • Smoother frequency response, particularly in the midrange
  • Dual preamplifier outputs

That generation of cj is best when it is an SE.   The teflon caps are a worthwhile upgrade.