Transistor Preamp that sounds like a Tube Preamp?

is it possible that replacing capacitors and resistors from some solid state preamps can bring one closer to a "tube-like" presentation?

07-14-08: Mrtennis asked:
"is it possible that replacing capacitors and resistors from some solid state preamps can bring one closer to a "tube-like" presentation?"

Generally, no. You can make a cheaply built SS amp sound better by improving its parts, but it's best to start with an amp using high quality parts to begin with, made by a great designer that was trying to make the best possible sound.

If the designers goal was to make an amp that sounds "tube-like", stay away.

Dave

If the designers goal was to make an amp that sounds
"tube-like", stay away.

Dave
Dcstep (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

Why, if that's the designer's goal. Or, if it's the listener's goal?

Perhaps, you mean YOU should stay away because "tube-like", as
you define the term, does not fit your criteria or ideal of high end audio.

I think it's important for anyone using the term "tube-like" to
describe specifically what they mean by the term.

If I were to generalize, I would bet most who use the term mean a sound
that's a bit rolled off in the highs, that has an emphasized midrange, and
perhaps has bass that's somewhat loose. I have yet to hear a tubed
component in the past five years that sounds this way: Lamm, VAC, Atma-
Sphere, Modwright, Audio Horizons. The only tubed preamp I have heard that
had some of the characteristics mentioned above was the Supratek Cortese,
but the highs were extended, and the bass was pretty well controlled.

I suspect how MrTennis defines tube-like may be completely opposite of how
the vast majority of top-shelf, presently produced tube preamps sound:
Atma-Sphere, VAC, ARC, BAT, Modwright, Messenger, and just about any
other I can name.

If a designer stated they have designed a solid state preamp that sounds
"tube-like" in the fashion of Atma-Sphere or VAC preamps
(which are uniquely different, but have more in common than otherwise), I
might be strongly interested in investigating their product.

I agree the Atma-sphere is not "tube-like" in the sense you describe (rolloff at the extremes with a mid-range push)- I think that older tube gear may have been a bit like that. What is tube-like to me, for both preamps and amps is the elusive concept of bloom which I think Asa described well. It's the way an instrument projects sound into the room and that always seems more realistic (whether it is or not)than what I've been able to accomplish with SS, not that SS gear can't be wonderful, with its own sonic signature. While the Pass XA30.5 doesn't "bloom" like my tube amps, it doesn't mean it isn't a great sounding amp, it is - but it still does not sound like a tube amp, and frankly there is proabably no reason it has to, or should, or ultimatley, can.

Pinkus, that's funny! I understand what you are saying, though. If I saw something like that I might say to myself, what a boviating blowhard! I mean, how can I possibly listen when I'm talking so damn much? Not sure, though, that a stereo is only a sound machine, if that is what you also meant. Stereo is an art to me - the opportunity to use technology to produce an emotive, even meditative-like experience, in addition to good background music while cooking pasta.

Basicallty,I took a chance; more bread on the water.