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Introducing Tubes?

Hello gang!
Well, It's been said of my system that "you could use some tubes in there". So, here is what I have: McCormack UDP-1/ Lexicon MC8/Krell FPB400cx. Tyler Linbrook Signature System (1piece speaker).
The system started as a home theater set up, which for family reasons, I should keep. The Questions:
How could i add tubes to the setup for 2 channel listening? Just add a tube cd player? Add a cdp AND a tube pre amp? (The Krell will do the amplification. ) Would that be enough to get the "tube sound" that has been so often described here on Agon? (I've never used tube gear). What would be a good sounding tube CDP for a rookie tube guy? (around $1000 new or used) Suggestions and/or advice is welcome and appreciated.
Thanks so much.
paul
oldpet
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
I personally favor Rogue Audio Magnum 99 tubed line stage.
It goes for around 1400$ used(no phono version).
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Paul, For less that 1K you can pick up a EAR 834L. This is a very basic, simple to operate, preamp using 3 tubes which have very very long life (5yrs at 24/7 +/-). Tonally it is much like your Tylers - smooth and musical, but not dull and boring. It is voiced very much like my ARC SP10II. I have used one in a secord system for about 5 years with zero problems. Tube rolling with this is cheap and easy, assuming you want to fiddle with the tubes.
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Newbee. I must commend you on your choice of the ARC sp-10 mk2 preamp sir,to this very day has be considered a giant in the high end preamp sweepstakes. Yes... the ear 834L is a decent little vacuum tubed preamp, it can also be tweeked with better parts and perhaps voiced with nos tubes.And for the money,it's certainly a good recommendation here as well. No offence here sir....."BUT".... comparing the voice of the 834 to the that of your sp-10 is a weeeee bit of a stretch. To be candid here...not even remotely close for that matter.
bluebull
269 posts
 
Oldpet
Cant really match a cheapie Tube Pre with a very serious ss amp like the Krell FB 400 cx.Krell has balanced inputs ,I'm shure.Atma-Sphere has tube pre's with balanced outputs,how that will work with the Krell,I don't know.Get a pre with high voltage output,then there shouldn't be a problem.I think you have to consider spending a bit more than $1000.Have read some nice comments about Joule-Electra as well.
Good luck.
Chris
oldpet OP
295 posts
 
What do you guys think of the Audio Research LS 16 or the SP 16? What's the difference?

thanks again
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