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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
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!!!

bahston OP
30 posts
 

Thank you.

bigkidz
3,504 posts
 

Those speakers 86 db sensitivity, I would go for tube preamp, SS amp.

Vandersteen prefer zero feedback design amplifiers.  Ayre works very well for SS.

 

It is difficult to offer a recommendation just because a speaker is 86db.  We used an older Art Audio 520 tube 28WPC stereo amp on my Vandersteen model 7 speakers and we were completely blown away by the sound.  You don't know until you try something.

Happy Listening.   

 

bahston OP
30 posts
 

Thanks

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,404 posts
 

Vandersteen prefer zero feedback design amplifiers. 

@bigkidz I know Richard says that, but its not actually true. I tried to disabuse him of that notion a few years ago...

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