OPINIONS ON TUBE AMP vs SS AMP

Faustin
Faustin Posts: 1,149
edited August 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
I recently purchased a Dared sl-2000a pre-amp and have it hooked to an Adcom GFA 555 amp. I have replaced the stock Chinese tubes in the Dared with a Brimar rectifier and Mullard 12at7 tubes. I recently upgraded my interconnects to Neotech cables. I have noticed a difference with the higher end cables and am really enjoying the sound of the Dared and Adcom combo through my SDA 1c's. What are some opinions in regards to replacing the SS Adcom amp and going to a tube amp to pair with the Dared pre?? Also, what type of power will be needed to run the SDA's. As for budget, lets say under $1200 for a tube amp.
Post edited by Faustin on
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited August 2014
    Get a Rogue amp for happiness.
    Maybe even an integrated and sell the Dared.
    My first tube experience was that same little pre.Great place to start to see if you like tube sound.
    If its the way you want to go now,try for at least 100wpc.
    Plenty of others but i'm a Rogue fanboy for life.
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,416
    edited August 2014
    High powered tube amps are the way to go IMHO...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited August 2014
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    High powered tube amps are the way to go IMHO...

    They also cost some coinage too John. Not sure the OP had that in mind.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,416
    edited August 2014
    tonyb wrote: »
    They also cost some coinage too John. Not sure the OP had that in mind.


    Not if you roll your own...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,802
    edited August 2014
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Not if you roll your own...

    'Zackly.

    13337540863_f84f80f0fe_b.jpgAmp mit Westies by mhardy6647, on Flickr
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  • Faustin
    Faustin Posts: 1,149
    edited August 2014
    Thanks for your opinions.
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited August 2014
    I been using a Vincent hybrid preamp + Hybrid amp for my 2 channel set up & I wanted to try a tube amp for my Monitor 10's so I got a Integrated tube amp and I'm having a blast playing using it even though it has it short comings (mainly price & heat)

    After using both I could see myself maybe going strictly with a tube set up but SS has a lot more going for it. Its just a tough call which way to go. I'm still on the fence about which is best or preferred.
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited August 2014
    I enjoy tubes in the chain but not for power. Unless of course we're talking about guitar amps.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited August 2014
    brgman wrote: »
    Get a Rogue amp for happiness.
    Maybe even an integrated and sell the Dared.
    My first tube experience was that same little pre.Great place to start to see if you like tube sound.
    If its the way you want to go now,try for at least 100wpc.
    Plenty of others but i'm a Rogue fanboy for life.

    ^^^^^^
    The truth.

    Rogue fanboy here as well. I became a fanboy of theirs even before I owned any of their gear. It was the Rogue Cronus integrated that had me head over heels during a speaker audition with the PSB Synchrony Two's. Now I own some beefy separates from them. You can't go wrong with anything from Rogue IMO.
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  • Msabot1
    Msabot1 Posts: 2,098
    edited August 2014
    My Mac MC 240 is a very good match with my 10b's....not overpowering RMS...but those speakers sing with that old amp pushing them....
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited August 2014
    audiocr381ve wrote: »
    ^^^^^^
    The truth.

    Rogue fanboy here as well. I became a fanboy of theirs even before I owned any of their gear. It was the Rogue Cronus integrated that had me head over heels during a speaker audition with the PSB Synchrony Two's. Now I own some beefy separates from them. You can't go wrong with anything from Rogue IMO.

    I am an owner of Rogue Stereo 90 amp and 99 pre amp. I agree with Shane and Brgman. I've previously owned the dared which is a great little tube pre for the money. The stereo 90 amp from rogue really works for me
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited August 2014
    What don't you like about the Dared/Adcom combo? That would seem like a nice hybrid compromise. The Adcom has lots of clean/neutral power and the Dared gives you the benefit of tube smoothing warmth.

    A lot of people like going with a tube Pre and SS amp for the extra power!

    And, as tony points out, getting that much "juice" out of an all tube system is gonna cost you!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited August 2014
    I think wyred 4 sound amplification with the Dared pre would give music that sparkle your looking for.
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  • Faustin
    Faustin Posts: 1,149
    edited August 2014
    It is not that I do not like my current setup with the Dared and the Adcom. I guess I am wandering down that path of "will it sound better". As my wife says " your sick". I have to think she is kidding. We listened to a variety of music last night and switched between the SDA 1c's and the RTA 12c's. There are of course distinct differences between the speakers, but she said she really liked the spa's. I am in bed and asleep long before she is and up in the morning long before she is. There was a note on the dry erase board in the kitchen this morning that said, I love SDA. How cool is that. I suppose I need to stop this rabbit hole pursuit of the ultimate audio experience and enjoy what I currently have.
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    edited August 2014
    Faustin wrote: »
    I am in bed and asleep long before she is and up in the morning long before she is. There was a note on the dry erase board in the kitchen this morning that said, I love SDA. How cool is that. I suppose I need to stop this rabbit hole pursuit of the ultimate audio experience and enjoy what I currently have.

    12Cs do rock, but I agree with your better 1/2, SDAs in the Polk line-up is where it's at . . .

    I, too, am a recent Rogue convert, M-180s to be exact and they sound fan-frick'n-tastick. Audition a pair, your wont be sorry!
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited August 2014
    Get a wyred 4 sound amp, if your not using electrostats they are super transparent and really detailed in the way they separate the instruments,
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited August 2014
    Another vote for Rogue here. Love mine.
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited August 2014
    Faustin wrote: »
    There was a note on the dry erase board in the kitchen this morning that said, I love SDA.

    She Rocks!!!
    and regarding your ending your pursuit of rabbitt hole and ultimate sound.....all I can say is ......."Njoy the ride my friend"
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • ROHfan
    ROHfan Posts: 1,014
    edited August 2014
    Would it be desirable to use a tube amp with a tube pre? Or would it be tube overkill?
    TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
    Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
    Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
    Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
    AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited August 2014
    No it sounds great too
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited August 2014
    ROHfan wrote: »
    Would it be desirable to use a tube amp with a tube pre? Or would it be tube overkill?

    It's a synergy & preference thing. Some speakers are on the lean side and could use all the help they can get from tubes. Others are voiced to be on the warm side and there is a fine line to walk.

    I will say that with the Rogue stuff, the more the better. I never felt like I lost anything going from a B&K 200wpc SS amp to a Rogue 90wpc tube amp. You'd think you'd lose the slam, top end, and only gain the midrange glory by going tube. Nope. I got more of everything along with a more natural sounding presentation.
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