Can tube preamps be as 'detailed' sounding as ss?

I don't know the minimax tubed preamp. I think the problem with your question is that it's so general & theoretical. The only way to "really" know what you like--and what sounds good with the rest of your system-- is to buy & try some used pre-amps on a'gon or elsewhere & try them out--(that's half the fun of the hobby for some).

BTW I own both a Cary slp-98 & a C-J PF-R SS pre-amp. Both are truly excellent preamps IMO. The PF-R does have a bit more detail, but can verge on sounding slightly "bright" on the highs at times. (This may prove nothing about tubes vs. SS in general tho.....).

A good tube preamp shouldn't be adding "hiss" to your system tho--either there's something wrong with it, or it's not a very good design.

Also, if you have an urge to get a Cary slp-98, I think that's a great idea, esp. if you can get a decent deal on a nice used one. They sound great, look sexy as he*ll, & I pretty much stopped thinking about upgrading pre-amps once I got mine. (Altho I've always wanted to try a Levinson).

Just my own 2 cents as a hobbyist.....

The only thing a tube design will give you over SS is a higher level of distortion. Some people like it, but it's not accurate, i.e., it's not on the recording.
Bob_reynolds (Answers)

Speaking only for myself, none of the accurate solid state or digital gear I have owned has been musical, and I have owned or tried some very highly regarded, uber-spec'd amplification and preamplification.

Different strokes for different folks, but I don't subscribe to the notion that by definition more accurate sounds better, and I believe this has to do with the recording. IMO, no recording sounds like live music due to the inherent manipulations required in the recording process. So, while the goal of accurately reproducing what's on the recording is a fine utopian ideal, it falls short of the goal which most of us desire...which is an enjoyable musical experience.

Thanks, Machman12000, for starting the latest in a long series of Audiogon tubes vs. solid state pissin' contests. Caution: Aim downwind!

:)

I own a tube preamp and two solid state preamps. I love all three of them. I've been unable to come to a decision on which of them is the best. While they have different sound signatures, they all have their excellent strengths and all sound great. So, I've kept all three and use them in rotation on a monthly basis. So, for me, the debate will never end.

How can you ever choose a Miss Universe? ....they are all gorgeous. Same as a preamp, you have great sounding tubes and solid state units. You have to keep searching until you find your flavor.

Bob_reynolds, you state:

...but why spend all that money when solid state is available?

Because the sound of tubes is so much f**king better!

Go get yourself a 1980's amp with >.001 THD, and enjoy!