No tubes in my system--am I missing out?

cstpeter
cstpeter Posts: 387
edited May 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Damn, I've got the upgrade itch. Although I love the synergy of my system, I can't help but think I'm really missing out by not having tubes in the system.

I like keeping my system clean and simple, so I'd probably just replace my PS Audio GCC-250 with a tube integrated. Then again, going to tubes will likely negate the "keeping it simple" part.

Any thoughts? Is going tubular really the religious experience some claim it to be? Should I make the plunge?

Thanks.
Von Schweikert VR4-jr
Valve Audio Predator
Denon DVD-2900
PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
Graham Slee Special Edition 2
PS Audio UPC-200
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited May 2007
    Hell, yeah, you should make the plunge. If you're currently using a Denon 2900 as your source for music, consider getting a tube CDP. You'll get a much better quality of sound, IMO.
    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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  • cstpeter
    cstpeter Posts: 387
    edited May 2007
    I'm using the 2900 as a transport only; I have the new PS Audio DAC, which I love. If I go tubes, it'll just be the amp.
    Von Schweikert VR4-jr
    Valve Audio Predator
    Denon DVD-2900
    PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
    Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
    Graham Slee Special Edition 2
    PS Audio UPC-200
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited May 2007
    Your system is fine, you said yourself that it has synergy.

    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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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited May 2007
    add a record player(Teres Audio Model 255 turntable), tube amp for 2 channel listening.
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited May 2007
    cstpeter wrote: »
    I'm using the 2900 as a transport only; I have the new PS Audio DAC, which I love. If I go tubes, it'll just be the amp.

    Oh, then forget about it. I wouldn't change out the amp just to experiment with tubes. You may want to try a tube buffer to see if you like it. If not, you can always sell it for what you paid.
    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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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited May 2007
    Hi Peter,
    I am in the same boat as you with the same transport. As I also do not want to change out any of my main gear, I have been thinking about a tube buffer as Early suggests, used in conjunction with my dac. I have not pulled the trigger yet.

    Let us know what you decide.
    v
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  • outlander
    outlander Posts: 218
    edited May 2007
    Go for it! I have no regrets going from SS to tubes whatsoever. I have a CJ pre with a pair of AES mono block amps and it is much more enjoyable to me than the Adcom combo I was using before. To me comparing tubes to SS is like comparing a real dog to a stuffed animal. IMO the tubes are much more life like.
    O
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited May 2007
    Pick up a nice used unit, try it, re-sell for the same price if it doesn't do it for you. Tube amps are awesome!
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited May 2007
    Tubes are magical and should be on everyone's list of things to try in their lifetime like someone said about the carver amazings. I still listen to my ss system more than my tube rig mostly out of convenience, easy on and off, no tubes to warm up or burn out although my tube rig has been very reliable with only 1 tube going bad in 1-2 years of light use and that was a problem with the amp itself which I believe has been fixed.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited May 2007
    scratch it. there is nothing else to say.

    except











    TUBES RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

    RT1
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited May 2007
    A tube amp that would make justice to your VR4's will cost you more than what you'd probably be willing to pay just for "testing". You say you're happy with your system...but that "itch" won't go away...decisions...decisions...
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited May 2007
    I'd say buy something tubey to try out with the intentions of selling once your demo is done. Don't do it if you have to sell part of your system that you are happy with.
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,775
    edited May 2007
    I don't think you are missing out, but then, I don't like the sound of tubes.

    See if you can listen to a tube setup somewhere, and see if you like it before wasting any cash.
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited May 2007
    outlander wrote: »
    Go for it! I have no regrets going from SS to tubes whatsoever. I have a CJ pre with a pair of AES mono block amps and it is much more enjoyable to me than the Adcom combo I was using before. To me comparing tubes to SS is like comparing a real dog to a stuffed animal. IMO the tubes are much more life like.
    O
    I would consider this an upgrade from the Adcom components you previously enjoyed.


    I have listened to several systems with both SS and tube pre/power amps. I always preferred the systems when the SS components (Ayre, Classe and Simaudio) have been reintroduced.

    As is has been mentioned before in the forum, its unfortunate high end SS components are included with mainstream SS components when comparisons to tubes are made. Personally, I prefer the lack of sonic characteristics of the above mentioned SS components over other SS or tube components I have heard.

    I don't think you are missing anything by not having tubes in the mix. If any of the local audio shops have tubes, arrange to have a listen to see what you think so you can satisfy your curiosity.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • cstpeter
    cstpeter Posts: 387
    edited May 2007
    Thanks for the input guys. I've heard tube systems before, but it's just so hard to compare when I don't hear them on my system and in my listening room. But maybe I'll head to the local Von Schweikert dealer and get a listen to tubes driving the VR4jr.

    Shizelbs, I like your suggestion:
    Shizelbs wrote: »
    I'd say buy something tubey to try out with the intentions of selling once your demo is done. Don't do it if you have to sell part of your system that you are happy with.
    Von Schweikert VR4-jr
    Valve Audio Predator
    Denon DVD-2900
    PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
    Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
    Graham Slee Special Edition 2
    PS Audio UPC-200
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2007
    Enjoy what you own....the rest is trivial.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited May 2007
    Chris,

    You can come over and borrow my Cary for a few days...
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • cstpeter
    cstpeter Posts: 387
    edited May 2007
    Joey_V wrote: »
    Chris,

    You can come over and borrow my Cary for a few days...

    Now there's an idea. Thanks man!
    Von Schweikert VR4-jr
    Valve Audio Predator
    Denon DVD-2900
    PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
    Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
    Graham Slee Special Edition 2
    PS Audio UPC-200
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  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited May 2007
    cstpeter wrote: »
    Damn, I've got the upgrade itch. Although I love the synergy of my system, I can't help but think I'm really missing out by not having tubes in the system.

    Why do you think you are missing out? More importantly, what exactly are you missing out on? What are you lacking now that you expect the introduction of tubed components to satisfy?
    cstpeter wrote: »
    I like keeping my system clean and simple, so I'd probably just replace my PS Audio GCC-250 with a tube integrated. Then again, going to tubes will likely negate the "keeping it simple" part.

    OK. Again we need to go back to establishing an audio performance goal. When you make the switch, what are your expectations for improved performance?
    cstpeter wrote: »
    Is going tubular really the religious experience some claim it to be?

    Absoulutely...for some people. Some people rave that the practice of Buddism is the ultimate religious experience...and it is...for some people. Don't get caught up in other people's "feelings". Determine what your audio needs (goals) are and select equipment accordingly. Take the "religious experiences" of others with a grain of salt. Do these other people have the same musical tastes as yours? Have these other people introduced tubes into systems similar to yours with good results? If so, then you can use their experiences as benchmarks with which to begin your search for greater audio satisfaction.
    cstpeter wrote: »
    Should I make the plunge?

    Sure...if an appropriate amount of research and personal experience demonstrates that your audio life will be improved by the introduction of tubed components.

    Good luck.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited May 2007
    Come on, just give it a try. A little won't hurt you.

    We are pushers as a majority. :)
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited May 2007
    cstpeter wrote: »
    Now there's an idea. Thanks man!

    Sweetness... I'll loan it to you for 2 weeks... I'm going on vacation in 3 weeks, you can have it then. If you want the Plinius too... just ask, bro. ;)

    Joey :)
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,554
    edited May 2007
    Any thoughts? Is going tubular really the religious experience some claim it to be? Should I make the plunge?

    Yes.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited May 2007
    Great post DK!

    Cstpeter you in your own words, "love the synergy of my system" So if it's not broke don't fix it.

    Go buy some new music/movies with that itch money. Too many people let themselves be influenced by all the ranting & raving of other people.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2007
    What you want to do is up to you, but I will say this......I don't have tubes in my rig. I do, however, have a Carver amp that sounds, or is emulated to sound like a tube amp.

    Now that I have heard the "sound" of tubes I will never look back. I can't stand SS any longer. Next in my audio journey comes a tube front end [Jolida baby!]. So long as the sound doesn't get too tubey, I'll be in heaven.

    My 2 cents......
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,775
    edited May 2007
    Too many people let themselves be influenced by all the ranting & raving of other people.

    Well put.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2007
    WilliamM2 wrote: »
    Well put.

    But if [in general] we all hear things the same way, are we really ranting? Or are we spreading the word of truth thru experience?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited May 2007
    There are very few truths in audio.
    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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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2007
    True.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,775
    edited May 2007
    But if [in general] we all hear things the same way, are we really ranting?

    We don't all hear things the same way. Like I said above, I prefer SS to tubes, always have. I'm not the only one either...
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2007
    engtaz wrote: »
    add a record player(Teres Audio Model 255 turntable), tube amp for 2 channel listening.

    Have you ever heard a Teres Audio Model 255 turntable?
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