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

Recently I bought a minimax tubed preamp. After several weeks of listening and comparing to my Plinius Cd-Lad pre, I've decided I like some things about the minimax, but more things about the Plinius
1. minimax adds a sense of realism and increased soundstage depth a little
2. minimax added more hiss to the system
3. better bass with the Plinius
4. better details and clarity with the Plinius
5. Wider soundstage with Plinius

I really enjoyed the increase sense of realism though. Is it possible that a better tubed pre (such as Cary slp-98) would retain the clarity and details of the Plinius and add the midrange lushness? Or would a hybrid tube pre give the best of both worlds (like a Cary slp-308)?
thanks for your thoughts
rest of system, Bryston 3bst, Ayre cx-7, Audio Physics Libra
machman12000
Post removed 
tvad
9,467 posts
 
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!

:)
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,486 posts
 
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.
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
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!
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
1,368 posts
 
Basically, the conclusion you came to while comparing the 2 preamps doesn't characterize neither tube preamps nor SS ones. There are tube preamps out there that can blow you away with the detail, imaging, dynamic drive and soundstage depth and width.

Is it possible that a better tubed pre (such as Cary slp-98) would retain the clarity and details of the Plinius and add the midrange lushness? Or would a hybrid tube pre give the best of both worlds (like a Cary slp-308)?

My answer is yes. It is possible.

Some tube preamps you may want to check out for the above qualities are:

ARC(older, with 6922 tubes) LS-15/16MkI, LS-25MkI, LS-5

Sonic Frontiers

Aesthetix Calypso

BAT

Blue Circle BC3000 MkII.

If you won't be impressed with what these tube preamps can do, then SS is your game.
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