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Tubes vs Tubeless

Hi,

Very, very (did I say "very") new to this adventure. I had a nice lower end, high end system 30 years ago and life got in the way and I had to part with that system. I now have a basic set up with a Belles Aria integrated amp with Vandersteen 2ce Signature speakers and a Linn DAC with a basic turntable.

I'm thinking of an upgrade and going full in on a dac system and leaving the vinyl to the side. I love albums but my collection is not huge, I'm getting older and I enjoy the simplicity of streaming music at the touch of a fingertip.

I have never owned a system with tubes and read in one of the forums about the Aric Audio systems and it really piqued my interest.

So, the question is, will there be a considerable difference in sound quality with a tube system of the Aric quality paired with a DAC or is the tube system a better advantage with vinyl?

Thank you

bahston
buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
944 posts
 

I like tubes but I’ve never owned Vandersteen. What’s ironic is Vandersteen is manufactured about 30 miles from where I live. I’ve had tube amps from 8 wpc to 180 wpc , mono blocks , two channel, and integrated. My bonehead assumption is that if you have sufficient wattage you should not have trouble driving them. Also suggested is a tube pre to SS amp(s). With summer on the horizon I’m looking at my first class D amp(s) to drive my Tekton DI’s as they can take big wattage. I have vintage JBL’s and they are wattage hogs. I was able to drive them with a 35 wpc integrated tube amp to decent levels but I like loud music. Also consider Rogue gear as they have power and integrated amps rated 100 wpc. My suggestion is to email Vandersteen and ask for their recommendation. Happy Listening, Mike B. 

cey's avatar
cey
345 posts
 

folks who compare tube amps of the same quality to their solid state tend to prefer tubes for a more lifelike realistic sound. its pretty common for audiophiles to go from solid state to tube but not too common to go the other way. 

bahston OP
30 posts
 

Thank you.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,695 posts
 

With a quarter million model 2 sold and Vandersteen owners website and an ask Richard section of FaaQ you will find 50-100 wpc is  the answer

dseltz
226 posts
 

I have an all tube system and LOVE the sound. I have very sensitive speakers (105+ dB) and can support a flea watt (1.5 wpc) amp. I also have an Aric Audio preamp (Motherload XL) and sometimes match it with an Atmosphere Class D mono amps for extra volume in my very large listening room. I have to say the sound of using the Atmosphere Ds with the Aric Audio pre is very close to the sound of the same preamp paired with my Radu Tatra 45 power tube amp. With the Vandies, I think you would be very pleased with an Aric Audio > Atmosphere Class D mono amps. Quality of both the Aric Audio and Atmosphere are top notch and both have knowledgable, helpful and easily contacted builders.

My two cents

Good luck!!!

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