Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp

[theoman]

I've always had a Solid State Amp with a Solid State Pre Amp. Is anyone using a Tube Preamp with SS?
I've matched SS Preamps with tubes and got the warmth of tubes but never the other way around.

 

[sfox52]

By all means try it. You have lots of possible combos. I'll bet the ampzilla would pair with a tube pre.

 

[Chrisxo55441]

I dont have a SS amp but do use tube phono pres with my SS receivers and find that they add a bit more warmth which i really enjoy with certain types of music. I would think a tube pre would do the same with a SS amp

 

[4-2-7]

It is very common to use a tube pre with a SS power amp, best of both worlds. You get a bit of tube action with the power to dive what ever speakers you want.

 

[captouch]

I'm using a Modwright tubed pre with a Forte SS amp. My speakers need a lot of power, so a tube amp would be very expensive. I also worry less about putting hours on the system since tubes in preamp tend to last longer than power tubes in amps.

 

[DC]

I use a McIntosh tube preamp with a conrad-johnson solid-state amp with good success. While my speakers are not terribly difficult to drive and I've had success with previous tube amps, this is what I'm using at the moment and not disappointed at all.

While there are differing experiences/opinions, I've always believed this combo (tube pre/ss amp) is the best way to get a "tube sound" (whatever that is to you) and better speaker control: tubes for the small signals (pre-amp levels) and SS at the amp level.

 

[theoman]

I was looking at the Audio Research tube preamps. SP-17 and SP-17SE or even the 14,15 and 16. I have a Audio Research DS 225 with a Krell KAV-250. I've never been impressed with the krell and it looks like nobody else has.
what other preamps should I look at?

 

[theoman]

I also maybe replacing my jolida jd-9 with a AR phono tube.

 

[4-2-7]

what other preamps should I look at?

McIntosh, C100, C200, C500, C1000, C1100, C2300, C2500

 

[theoman]

McIntosh, C100, C200, C500, C1000, C1100, C2300, C2500

they are out of my price range for now. I was at Best Buy the other day and they do discount Mcintosh 1k for open boxes, but its still out of my range.

 

[MX117.MC7150]

Have also been considering an ARC LS17SE or LS27SE. The drawback is the limited options on the 6H30 tubes they use. The other preamp I'm giving strong consideration to is the BAT VK-33, which uses the 6922/6DJ8 tubes, which I prefer.

 

[theoman]

Have also been considering an ARC LS17SE or LS27SE. The drawback is the limited options on the 6H30 tubes they use. The other preamp I'm giving strong consideration to is the BAT VK-33, which uses the 6922/6DJ8 tubes, which I prefer.

I'm trying to keep it under 2k

 

[MX117.MC7150]

If you don't need a remote then there are lots of nice options, like the CJ Classic which can be had new for just under $2K, When you want to upgrade you can have CJ put in their primo-cap SE option.

 

[theoman]

It doesn't seem there's any love for Audio Research?

 

[MX117.MC7150]

I think ARC makes great gear. Just a bit spendy for most folks on this website.

 

[Hyfi]

If you can still find a VAC CLA or CPA Pre, I would go for it.

I have been using Tube Pre with SS Amp for many years. Current amp is Hybrid, tube in - ss out

 

[geiman]

Done it both ways. Solid state pre and a tube power amp and vis versa. How good it sounds depends on what you are using.
Synergy is the goal here. So, try it.

 

[fredgarvin]

Van Alstine has well received products in your price range.

http://avahifi.com/products/pre-amplifiers/fet-valve-cf-vacuum-tube-preamplifier

http://avahifi.com/products/pre-amplifiers/transcendence-10-rb-preamplifier

 

[theoman]

I see a lot of people using a Sp-3, but they bought back in the day.

 

[DC]

It doesn't seem there's any love for Audio Research?

I think ARC makes great gear. Just a bit spendy for most folks on this website.

I love Audio Research - great stuff. One of the best amps I've ever had in here was an ARC and I still question moving it along in the search for bigger and better. (And I was actually on the prowl for an SP-17 when the McIntosh I'm currently using came available.) Sorry to say that I don't have any experience with the SP-3 other than to observe that it has something of a cult following.