2. analog
  3. 1174275589

tubes and analog

I just "upgraded" from a Mac SS integrated to a Prima luna dialogue 2 tube amp. The reason that I changed amps was that i assumed that the tube amp would be a better match for my Zu Druid speakers. The amp change was a big improvment for listening through my CDP....but not so when listening to my Rega P9. I had to switch to my spare SS phono stage (Graham slee) to get it to sound right. I was using a tube phono (AES) with my Mac. In Short, my tube amp with SS phono stage is not really an upgrade from my Mac with Tube phono stage. My question is.....should i consider a further upgrade to a better tube phono pre or is it simply that a change from SS to Tube amp is more "pronounced" in digital playback?
csmithbarc
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rauliruegas
12,779 posts
 
Dear Atmasphere: +++++ " The fact is you did not audition our gear. " +++++

This is totally untrue. Everyone that know me knows that I never ever affirm something that is untrue.

If the owner of that Atmasphere ( preamp and amp ) audio devices give me its Ok ( better yet, if he want too that he post about )I will give you all the info about. I hope he agree because now my word is in " doubt "??????

Now you are insulting me, something that I never believe/wait/spect from you.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
jmaldonado
57 posts
 
Guys, no single device, either thermoionic or semiconductive deserves the honor of two persons confronting each other because of it. Trust me on this.

Well, at least not until diamond transistors are invented... ;)
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Csmithbarc,

1. The AES's output impedance might be a mismatch for the Prima Luna.

2. The AES's output level might be too high for the Prima Luna, causing overload distortion.

Either of these is a more likely answer to your question than tubes vs. solid state.

Can you describe, in audiophile terms, HOW the Graham Slee sounds better than the AES? That might help those interested in offering helpful diagnoses or suggestions.

Best,
Doug
pauly
1,012 posts
 
03-25-07: Psychicanimal +++
The three manifestations of the ego are as follows:

1) I'm right. (cause I say so)
2) I'm in control (and don't want to be controlled)
3)I'm looking good (saving face) +++

Psychic, I am not going to say I am not guilty of the above, but having read one or two of your post you really need to heed your own words. Besides, many on this threads raise some very cogent opinions. Something rarely found in yours.

Kind Regards
Paul
mab33
101 posts
 
Audiofeil - a "shill" eh? Come on, gimme a break. Who has something to sell here and works in the industry, not me. Perhaps you should look up the definition before you use words you don't understand.

I think Doug's post above may be leading us in the right direction to explain the original posters questions. I looked up the specs on the Primaluna and found that it's input impedance is 100K Ohms which seems unlikely to be the issue, but it's input sensitivity is 270mV. Couldn't find any specs on the AES unit, but wouldn't the Primaluna be easily overdriven with a .27V input sens.?
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