tube pre
mhmacw
Posts: 832
could i get some explination of whether or not i can use a tube pre for the 5400? if so will it be good? if not please tell me why. i dont have one in mind as far as model or anything but plan on vinyl and cd sources then to tube pre then 5400 then the 1c. thanks, dan
Post edited by mhmacw on
Comments
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Yes you can use a tube pre with the 5400. Will it sound good? Depends on your ears. You get a good quality pre that is good for rolling tubes in and you'll find the right ones for you.
Tubes are the shiznit,you'll be happy. -
will a tube pre be any different than ss if i dont have a tube cd player?
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will a tube pre be any different than ss if i dont have a tube cd player?
Yes indeed. With my current integrated I had initially used an OPPO transport with a Timbre DAC and the tubes in the preamp made all the difference in the world. I've since upgraded to a Class A tubed output CDP and it is even more magical.
Dan, I had a VTL 2.5 tube pre mated with a Parasound amp in conjuction with Adcom 565s in a biamp'd configuration and the sound was nothing short of magic. I would imagine that the 5400 would perform the same way mated with a tube pre.
Tube pre's and SS amps are really a match made in heaven but there is always synergy to consider. I put the 2.5's big brother, the 5.5, in the same rig and to me it was less than desirable. After speaking with Luke Manley several times trying to figure out why, and after rolling in some different tubes, we came to the conclusion that it just did synergize with the two SS amps. When I put the 2.5 back in the magic returned.
When I upgraded my gear, I went with a hybrid integrated amp. Tubes in the preamp stage, sand 350 wpc worth in the amp stage and it always puts a smile on my face. -
good info. ive heard the gtp 450 isnt really the best so i fugure ill be looking at pre's soon enough. doesnt make any since not to go tube if i need a replacement. ill be tricking out the 1c's when things settle down and figure i at least owe them a tube or two haha. most likely a winter project.
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good info. ive heard the gtp 450 isnt really the best so i fugure ill be looking at pre's soon enough. doesnt make any since not to go tube if i need a replacement. ill be tricking out the 1c's when things settle down and figure i at least owe them a tube or two haha. most likely a winter project.
Dan,
I highly recommend seriously checking into buying a used VTL TL 2.5 tube pre. It should really make your5400s get those 1Cs really singing. Here's some info on them.
http://www.vtl.com/pages/preamplifiers.html#TP-2.5
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ymisc&1148862721&openflup&4&4
VC69 owns one and has just recently moved his amp up to a VTL tube amp. Here's the thread he posted when he was looking to purchase the 2.5. You'll notice the before and after remarks are nothing short of stellar. He was mating it with a Carver amp.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88275
Save up your pennies as this is one special preamp for not a whole heck of a lot of money.
Have fun,
Joe -
I can highly recommend the VTL 2.5 as it is quite a nice piece and nothing short of amazing. If it is your first foray into tubes, you will never look back. They can be had for $1k +/- a little. I have seen them go for as little as $800.
Joe, the amp I currently have in my rig is actually an Audio Research VT100 MKII. It doesn't belong to me however, it's on long term loan. I should be able to find a VTL amp in the meantime. The VT100 is one of the best in the ARC lineup and I gotta say that going back to a SS amp will probably never happen. This amp is a bar by which anything else in my future will be measured. Pristine highs and tight controlled lows with a midrange that is natural and sweet. I am so spoiled with this combo that I am a little afraid that a VTL (ST150) won't cut it. However, I am willing to try.
-Kevin
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's -
I can highly recommend the VTL 2.5 as it is quite a nice piece and nothing short of amazing. If it is your first foray into tubes, you will never look back. They can be had for $1k +/- a little. I have seen them go for as little as $800.
Joe, the amp I currently have in my rig is actually an Audio Research VT100 MKII. It doesn't belong to me however, it's on long term loan. I should be able to find a VTL amp in the meantime. The VT100 is one of the best in the ARC lineup and I gotta say that going back to a SS amp will probably never happen. This amp is a bar by which anything else in my future will be measured. Pristine highs and tight controlled lows with a midrange that is natural and sweet. I am so spoiled with this combo that I am a little afraid that a VTL (ST150) won't cut it. However, I am willing to try.
Yes, my mistake bro. I remember reading your thread about the VT100 and got VT mixed up with VTL. The eyes and brain cells ain't what they used to be LOL!!!
I'm glad your loving it. BTW I noticed there was a little dialog going in the VT100 thread with George Daniel about VTL amps. He's the go to guy for VTL amps for sure and I'm quite confident that he'd be able to advise you on a VTL amp that would compete with the VT100.
