Do I need a Tube Pre-Amp

[Auto Analog]

I am not disputing your experience, but it is very different than mine. A '70's Pioneer, an '80's Pioneer and a big Sansui have all had much better preamp sections than a very clean Dynaco PAS-3x I had years ago.

The Melos GK1+1 I've been using off and on for 25 years or so is another story. It lends something special to any power section I put on it. A contemporary of the GK, a Conrad Johnson, had the same integrity on a system I had back in the days. The Dyna was a serviceable stop-gap, but even my AR amp — a dinosaur in the world of solid state — had a better preamp section.

As I say, I do not dispute your experience. You must have had an excellent matching of pre and power and other factors as well. Moreover, I've read great things about modded Dynas. If the OP looks at a stock Dyna, he may not be so lucky. Cheers ... Lorne

I do not dispute your experience either, since subjectivity runs high in the realm of music reproduction, and the enjoyment thereof. I think the combination of Marantz 5 and PAS3X simply works well in a synergistic sense, according to my sensibilities. The bottom line is that I bought a tube preamp because I like tubes, enjoy learning new things, and like to tinker with electromechanical devices of all sorts.

I agree that no one really needs the equipment we discuss on AK. Cheers!

 

[lorne]

Nobody "needs" a tube preamp. Some folks don't need any preamp at all if using a single line source. Some folks want something to season the sound and decide that it's something "tube-ish" they want.

Good point. For line equipment I've used the simple DIY "Haller" passive attenuator circuit (much discussed in our archives) and a switch box. It is useful to remember that the volume control in digital source is ... er ... digital. Best to get all the data out of the DAC section and then attenuate it. The OP might consider a tube phono amp if playing vinyl is an issue. A tube preamp, or any preamp is a convenience — everything in one box and usually a safe bet for avoiding gross impedance mismatching with the power amp.

 

[Pio1980]

I've looked at the Haller and dunno why this is better than just a simple good conventional pot.

 

[Pio1980]

I do not dispute your experience either, since subjectivity runs high in the realm of music reproduction, and the enjoyment thereof. I think the combination of Marantz 5 and PAS3X simply works well in a synergistic sense, according to my sensibilities. The bottom line is that I bought a tube preamp because I like tubes, enjoy learning new things, and like to tinker with electromechanical devices of all sorts.

I agree that no one really needs the equipment we discuss on AK. Cheers!

I've been using a 10k stepper pot in front of a Marantz 8 as a passive and like it. My PAS has been retired for several years now.