Can you have too many tubes?

scottyf
scottyf Posts: 129
edited March 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
I have a tube preamp and a hybrid amp (tube input / bipolar output). I always considered a tube preamp a must once I heard it, but I ran solid state amps. Then I heard my current amp and now I run tubes in both positions.

I mostly ran records until I got a Musical Concept modified cd player. Then cd's sounded reasonable if not as good as my analogue rig (I had tried one of the earlier CAL cd players, but it sounded a bit syrupy, kind of like early CJ preamps) Now I'm running a Pioneer AX-10 which sounds close enough to my turntable that I no longer care if I listen to cd or lp -- unless I need a real audiophile "fix" which of course requires the analogue. Problem with my Pioneer is that it has a gremlin that can't be tracked down and it bugs me. Still works and sounds beautiful, but sometimes takes its time recongnizing disks. Bugs me.

I hate tubes because they wear out and the best sounding ones cost long green (and I'm basically cheap). I love tubes because in the amp and preamp I have nothing has ever sounded as face-smacking musical and tonally correct in my home. My system is very close to neutral with a slight emphasis on tone.

I hate to ask, but would a tube cd player be worth looking into? Or should I just shut up and live with the incredible sounding (though slightly flawed) Poineer AX-10? I'm kinda broke right now....

HOME: VPI Classic/Grado Reference Master, EVS-modified Oppo BP83, Bryston DAC, Counterpoint 3000/SA-100 modified by Alta Vista, Polk LSi15

TRUCK: Pioneer 8600MP, Soundstream 300SX, pr of Xtant 1001i, Autotek SS490.2, Polk SR6500, Polk MMC6500, pr of Polk MM2084DVC
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Comments

  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited March 2006
    Since you already have experience with tube gear, you know how good it sounds. So if you have a tube CD player vs. a SS one in the same price range, you already have an idea what the tube CDP will sound like ("face-smacking musical and tonally correct").

    See if you can find someone in your area that will let you demo a tube CD player on your system.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited March 2006
    I personally don't care for tube sources / processors IF a tube amp and pre are already in the mix. It can become too sleepy, too mushy, in my experience.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • scottyf
    scottyf Posts: 129
    edited March 2006
    Russ, what you said. That's what I am concerned about. I'll just have to mull on it a bit, I guess....

    HOME: VPI Classic/Grado Reference Master, EVS-modified Oppo BP83, Bryston DAC, Counterpoint 3000/SA-100 modified by Alta Vista, Polk LSi15

    TRUCK: Pioneer 8600MP, Soundstream 300SX, pr of Xtant 1001i, Autotek SS490.2, Polk SR6500, Polk MMC6500, pr of Polk MM2084DVC
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited March 2006
    I've got a tube integrated and a tube CDP and I think it's fine. I did initially have the same concerns that you do though. There are so many different combinations of tubes to roll it makes it really hard. What I decided to do was just go with a well thought of power tube from the beginning and stick with that and roll the rest. Once I found a CDP tube I liked I stuck with that. Now if I want to tweak the sound I just roll the preamp tubes. It would be even easier with your hybrid I guess.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited March 2006
    All analog works just fine on this end....

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited March 2006
    Tubes into tubes into tubes in one rig and it sounds just fine here. Tubes into tubes into sand in the other and I'm very pleased with that rig, too. Although, once back on my feet, the sand amp will be replaced with a big ole tube amp.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited March 2006
    I like my tubed player no doubt, it is very smooth indeed, still using sand amps and dont plan on changing those now. So Tubed Source into Tubed Pre into Sand, works very well with the Amazings in the Shed.

    I use alot more SS gear in the Reel Time Rig, only using a tubed pre for 2ch music in that rig, because everyone should use a tubed a pre!!!! Well, I suppose not everyone.

    Tubes Rule.

    I do have an interest in using some tubed amps and buidling a SET rig, something smaller in a more intimate type setting, yea thats the ticket.

    Gotta love audio, something for everyone and nothing like all Analog, clean vinyl is the ultimate addiction.

    RT1
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