Tube or Solid State Pre Amp - which did you choose
- Thread starter MC352
- Start date
I have had GREAT solid state preamps from Levinson (early models) and Gryphon, but overall I have enjoyed my time with tubed-based preamps. My current Viva Solista integrated sports all tube stages.
Hi
I used to be a Tube person. This changed when I changed my Audible Illusion for a Classe DR-5 SS preamp. I did go back to tube, a Jadis preamp, followed by a CAT then VTL preamps .. Around the early 90's heard the Symphonic Line Lines Stage which was a revelation of how far the SS had advanced, then heard the mighty Burmester 808 .. That was it ... no more Tube and I moved toward Burmester preamps and amps .. Presently using Benchmark but soon to move back to Burmester preamps and amps ...
I used to be a Tube person. This changed when I changed my Audible Illusion for a Classe DR-5 SS preamp. I did go back to tube, a Jadis preamp, followed by a CAT then VTL preamps .. Around the early 90's heard the Symphonic Line Lines Stage which was a revelation of how far the SS had advanced, then heard the mighty Burmester 808 .. That was it ... no more Tube and I moved toward Burmester preamps and amps .. Presently using Benchmark but soon to move back to Burmester preamps and amps ...
My very first pre amp was SS - the Apt Holman. Had it for many years before giving it to my son when I got a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1. The Sonic Frontiers was eventually replaced by a BAT VK-30SE that I subsequently upgraded to a VK-31SE which I still use today.
That's a great Pre MiTT. Does nothing wrong and has wonderful functionality. It was my first taste of the 6H30. I could never bring myself to let mine go, in fact I resurrected it and built an HT system around it and its fixed gain feature.
garylkoh
WBF Technical Expert (Speakers & Audio Equipment)
My first separates system was all Boothroyd Stuart Meridian - with the 101 preamp and the 103D power amp with the twin power supplies - so, solid state. After a family financial set-back, it was almost 10 years later before I could afford another separate system - a pre-owned Audible Illusions Modulus 1B and Rotel RB-870 - tube pre and SS power. The Modulus 1B never sounded "right" until I ripped all the guts out of case, and screwed everything onto a wooden butcher's block. Next, it was a BAT VK-3i (tubes), replaced by an FM Acoustics 266 (SS).
When I started Genesis, I "downgraded" to the FM Acoustics 255 - because the 266 did not have single-ended inputs. Now, I have four preamps in constant use - the FM255, the Melody SHW-1688 (tubes), the Arcam GFP-750, and a prototype Steve McCormack/Gary Koh preamp that has been in the works for the past 16 months.
When I started Genesis, I "downgraded" to the FM Acoustics 255 - because the 266 did not have single-ended inputs. Now, I have four preamps in constant use - the FM255, the Melody SHW-1688 (tubes), the Arcam GFP-750, and a prototype Steve McCormack/Gary Koh preamp that has been in the works for the past 16 months.
Bruce B
WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
I started out with an Apt Holman/Hafler combo back in the '70's. Think the most "musical" pre I've ever had was a CAT SL-1 Ultimate. I then switched to pro stuff. Now using a Crane Song Avocet pre which is discrete Class A built by Dave Hill with built-in DAC. I was toying with the idea of using an audiophile pre again to see if I was missing anything. Pass is supposed to send me an XP20/25 combo to try. Anyone going to DartZeel... good luck!
Bruce B
WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
To get the best out of DartZeel you need to use the proprietary 50ohm BNC "Zeel" connections. Trying to incorporate that into a mix and match system is a PITA. I've tried a couple of times to bring my equipment over to Mike's room and had nightmare impedence/mismatch issues. If anyone is going the DartZeel route, you need to use the 50ohm connectors throughout. Thankfully the Playback now has 50ohm BNC's and I think other manufacturers are trying to accomodate. Says something about system Synergy (the other Thread).
Thanks, Bruce. I just started purchasing T & M gear: HP Audio Analyzer, DMM...researching HP spectrum analyzers and dynamic signal analyzers, now
Decided to go with a Tek scope. All this gear runs on 50-ohm cable with BNC connectors.I recall my Forsell CD transport has a provision for a 50-ohm connection...Forsell...DartZeel -- maybe, it's a Swiss thing - hehe.
In order to use the Darzeel preamplifier with other power amplifiers you just have to use the 50 ohm BNC cable with a BNC female T adapter using a BNC 50 ohm terminator and a BNC male - RCA male adapter.
Like this you get electrical synergy. To have acoustic synergy and plenty of power you have to spend more than usd 150000.
When I started to purchase equipment with my own money, the fisrt two preamps I acquired were the Precision Fidelity C7 and the Audio Research SP8. I have since disposed of them and nowadays, I have a few preamps and line stages that I rotate around. I have solid state, tubes, and a hybrid. I am biased towards solid state if I am in the market for a new preamp. Good tubes have become extremely expensive and I have watched friends buy new tube preamps or line stages then spend the next two years searching for the correct tubes to arrive at their desired sonic flavor. And in most cases, the tube rolling experience cost as much as the tube preamp or line stage. In my own case, the cost of the tubes I use in my Audio Research SP3 have risen so much that each tube now cost more than the SP3 when it was brand new.
I started with a Krell when I shifted out of HT and into 2-channel but went to tubes shortly after and have been since. I got my VAC Renaissance Signature MkII four years ago and haven't looked back. I went back and forth between some SS, hybrid and tube amps and then landed on twin VAC 300.1's.
I have done some business consulting for friends of mine who launched a new line, I am anxious to hear their "no holds barred" effort.... http://purityaudiodesign.com/ultra gt.htm
I have done some business consulting for friends of mine who launched a new line, I am anxious to hear their "no holds barred" effort.... http://purityaudiodesign.com/ultra gt.htm
Hi Turntable,
Nice to see you posting! Still enjoying the CJ ACT 2 with the Gryphon Antileon. Someday, i am going to try to step up to ART 3/GAT s/hand. I have heard they are at the same time even more neutral while being more musical. Tough to do!!! Would love to hear...too bad so hard to find in UK.
Nice to see you posting! Still enjoying the CJ ACT 2 with the Gryphon Antileon. Someday, i am going to try to step up to ART 3/GAT s/hand. I have heard they are at the same time even more neutral while being more musical. Tough to do!!! Would love to hear...too bad so hard to find in UK.
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