You confirmed what my Father told me, it was true in the 1970's as well as today. He told me to invest in a good Tube Pre-Amp and a good Solid State Amp with 'quality' Caps.
Wow! What high level of honesty, admitting that somebody else's front end design sounded better than his own, putting his companies bets on the other guy's design. That whole attitude is what I and so many other subscribers of your chanel love so much.
Thank you SO much for this Q&A series, Paul. I love your candor and the obvious pleasure you derive from sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.
I REALLY enjoyed this story! Especially coming from a very obvious solid state lover. I once read somewhere, “Distortion is pleasant to the human ear” and that my friend is why we love tubes!
Distortion of the even-order harmonics is pleasing and makes the sound seem louder than it actually is. You get this from tubes but not so much from transistors as they generally distort all harmonics which can sound like nails on a chalkboard.
I have been using audio equipment for over 50 years. I can't afford the best of the best but over the years I have owned both tube and solid state equipment. About 15 years ago I had a pair of FET power amps and a Parasound preamp that sounded good but something was missing. I had owned a Jolida tube power amp before and I liked that sound but the output tubes were getting ridiculously expensive so i replaced them with the 200wpc FET monoblocks. As I said they sounded good but not the same. One day I came across a used Conrad Johnson PV10 preamp for a decent price so I bid on it and a week later it came. I put it into my system and I knew I had made the right choice. Life was good and the replacement tube costs were reasonable. I hav since replaced the FET amps with a Musical Concepts modified Hafler 240 and am even more pleased with the sound. I agree that having the tubes at the front of the amplification chain is the way to go, you get the sound you want without the drawbacks of tube power amps.
Tubes are mostly voltage devices and bipolar transistors are mostly current devices. Using each according to its nature, tubes will amplify the voltage (preamp) and transistors will amplify the current for the speaker (power amp).
When I was a teenager my grandmother gave me her old " Ferguson " tube stereo system that only ever got played at Christmas, I remember back then that it sounded very good and I loved the smell of it when it warmed up, I wish I could remember what happed to it.
Love your videos sir! If you were teaching a class, I would score off the chart! You are a natural at getting the subject across! Bet your a great boss to work with as well. Best of life.
My housemate of years ago had a Copland amp with valve pre-amp stages and solid-state output stages... I have never heard a better sound from an amplifier
Yes, totally. I agree. Moreover, I like tubed throughout even on the output however you are right about the complications. push-pull transformers for every channel when we talk about hefty output.
Great discussion! Even on a less expensive 'higher end' system like mine, tubes can pay dividends. I purchased an inexpensive tubed Little Dot MKIII preamp/headphone amp to replace my old workhorse solid state Onkyo M-508 Grand Integra preamp, and my jaw dropped! My main music system consists of the Little Dot MKIII preamp, a McIntosh MC162 amplifier, and an Onkyo CS5VL SACD/CD player going into a pair of Magnepan MG12/QR speakers, with a Velodyne sub. I swapped tubes on the MKIII, going with CBS Hytrons (circa mid 1950's?). My music (various genres) immediately sounded better in so many ways! More involving, airy, timbrally accurate and 'warmer', and less fatiguing. Even though the MKIII cost next to nothing (for a tubed preamp), i'm a firm believer in system synergy. There is a certain element of 'randomness' and guessing that goes into audio, and sometimes excellent results can often belie or be inversely proportional to the amount of money spent! The same applies with my other obsession and hobby, Amateur Radio (Ham Radio)!
I'm told that one of the reasons tube perform so well in the front end (and in mic preamps) is because they overload more gracefully, producing pleasant even (mostly 2nd) order harmonics, while solid state components overload more into harsh sounding odd-order harmonics.
Studio technicians know how hard it is to keep mic preamps out of overload, distortion, and clipping under highly dynamic situations. Tubes have always excelled under these conditions. These same characteristics give tubes their sweet warm sound even under more benign conditions, it's just the nature of their distortion harmonics in general. So, to answer your question, no, I don't. But that isn't the point.
I've gone back and forth between ss and tubed pre. No matter which one I run, I always feel like I'm missing something the other one does better. Recently it's dawned on me my biggest mistake may be I'm trying to choose one that does both and if I ever found that unit it probably wouldn't do either one great. So I've concluded the only solution is to have both, and rum thru a switch. Now I need a good switch with no measurable loss(🤔🙄😶) it never ends....
wow i have learned alot by watching your videos. I first was trying to look at how to perfect mixes with studio monitors and RUclips brought me here :)
I use a tube pre amp(Audible Illusuons L1) with a very dynamic power amp with lots of punch( Belles 350a). Great sound lots of balls and with that tube sound.
I build small all tube synths and preamps and have for some decades now . I love your honesty in this video , however both me and Leo Fender heard another side of this . Leo made all the hybrid MusicMan amps which are sought after today with solid state front ends and Tube power sections . I tour with a bunch of solid state pedals going in to a small solid state mixer , then I send left to a tube amplifier and right to the solid state house system . I have found for me that if a Tube is the last thing ( with transformer ) that drives the speaker one will get the tube harmonic sound no matter what . I like tubes in the front end but I find for me, it is the most important to have them last . The audio industry has sided with front end tubes and no one makes a hybrid with the power section being tube and the front solid state any more but from my own experience I still like tubes last in the chain the best. Thanks for listening .
Hi Paul. Love these segments; love your products. Unfortunately, though, this answer is wrong. Let me explain: In Russel Hamm's May 1973 report in the AES Journal (Volume 21, # 4), he conducted the very shootout you're describing - a double blind A/B between tubes and solid-state devices, except that the shootout was also broken up into various stages. In other words, comparisons were made in the front ends - (microphones preamps, phono preamps, line stages) AND in the amplification stages. Not only were subjective (listening) tests performed but performance of each was extensively analyzed. The result? The MOST profound difference between tubes and solid-state devices occurred wherever there was an electronic-to-electromechanical interface, e.g., speakers, cutting lathes, microphones, turntable cartridges. The differences in line-level reproduction (while they DID exist) were not as noticeable. It is, therefore, MOST advantageous (in every case except a phono preamp) to have the tubes powering the speakers. Now, you may say, "well then your at the mercy of the output transformer's quality", and this would be true, But remember, we're talking about a "cost is no object" system here, so you can have a top-quality (albeit expensive) output transformer that will NOT exhibit the phase distortion and IMD that many cheap ones do. If you do so, I can PROMISE you that the tube amplifier (even if fed by a solid-state preamplifier) will result in better subjective sound quality than a tube preamp feeding a solid-state amp, (even a PS Audio, Krell or Mark Levinson ). This, by the way, is a VERY common misconception - that the best way to get the advantages of "both world's" is to use a tube preamp and a solid-state amp. In fact, you're actually better off doing the OPPOSITE. I, in fact, USED TO believe so myself; It wasn't until I started "flipping the script" in my own designs that I realized how wrong I'd been*. Tubes can be microphonic, so you'd (ideally) like to feed them a strong signal (i.e., one that is ALREADY preamplified), and the use of an output trafo on a Class A tube circuit not only serves to protect the speakers (as transformers can't pass DC) but also acts to cancel out many of the distortions inherent in loudspeakers (by creating similar distortions in the inverse, much the same as a push-pull circuit can cancel out even-order distortions inherent in single-ended designs). Ever since I've realized the benefits of coupling tube output to transformer to speaker, I've been fighting the same misconception I used to have as well, that tubes are best used in the front end. It's simply not true. *Note: I've been designing audio components for over 35 years and ran a recording studio for over 25, so had the benefit of being able to compare the playback of a musical performance to the actual performance I'd just heard (while tracking it), which is the best way to judge accuracy. I WILL SAY THIS: Putting tubes in the front end makes a big difference if you can't get a tube amplifier with an excellent output transfromer. Also, signal tubes "break in" and "open up" more quickly that power tubes, so you may need to get some hours on the equipment before the advantages of the power amp become obvious, but if you can get a first-rate tube amp and let it burn in, they will! Try it yourself: compare (double-blind) a high-end tube amplifier to ANY solid-state amp in the same system; (gIve the tubes 25 hours or more of use first if the amp is new). If you thought the difference in the front end was big...
Also, I have to add this: your assessment that "tubes are not as consistent as transistors" is also false (or is based on recent Chinese exports). Tubes (by and large) vary quite a bit less from one to the next than transistors do. I've done curve tracings on over 150 different devices - "Golden Age" tubes, MOSFETs, JFETs, BJTs, etc. - and the tubes varied the least overall from unit to unit. Your argument may be based on the way that they're utilized; (transistor circuits often must employ NFB to linearize the device and control gain), but if you compare "apples to apples" - (open gain Hfe, input and output impedance, I/V slope) - almost any two NOS 6DJ8's or 6SN7's for example, from the same (American or European) manufacturer would constitute a "matched pair" in transistor terms.
I also experience the same conclusion as you. It is the power tube plus the output transformer creates the magic of good sound stage. Tube preamp helps a little only.
My fav part in your comment is how you keep pushing “try it yourself” well… paul did and his conclusion and the other designers conclusion was unanimous. And this is an up to date test with latest technology and designs. I’d say I’ll take Paul’s and his expert designers opinion on this one.
I have always liked a tube power amp distorting at the same time as the speaker distorts on certain dynamic moments in the music, you hear it all the time in rock records....but when you hear the real thing in the room it is more exciting..the most hifi way to listen to something is when it is in the air.
Take a look at Vox Valvetronix like my VT40+. Digital FXs/preamp, tube buffer and analog power amp. I changed the Sovtek 12ax7 to the British Mullard (RFT core) 12ax7. Creamy tones.
I am a harp player, and I have all tube amps .Get this, 2 Gibson 1941 suitcase amps . The oldest is pristine and uses 2 6sq7 preamp tubes, a I sub 6sr7 metals to tone down, 2 6v6 which I use RCA cokebottle, and a 5y3 rectifier that I subbed a BENDIX 6992 . Second Gibson uses different preamps, 6jc7. Same in power, 6v6 and 5y3 . An Ampeg Jet, rebrand as Noble . 6sl7 preamps and 2 6v6 push pulls,5y3 rectifier.. A fine Blackheart Handsome Devil with 12ay7s for preamp and EL84 power tubes . Then, my gigging amp, VHT Special 6, class A, a 7442 preamp . . . 12ax7 one triode and 12au7 the other, then a cokebottle Sylvania 6l6 blackness for a power tube. A GE 5881 works good as well .
I spent 3,000 on my massive marantz sr-18. It has a humungous torroidal transformer and burr brown circuits. It's fine for rock. But when I want violin, sax, piano, vocals, jazz, opera, classical, cello, well theres no contest. My 300B SET blows it out of the water.
I just finished my 300b. And ready to compare. BTW, in my experience and IMHO the best place for tubes is in the outputs. The driver, and for PP, the inverter, front end can be IC..
tube rectifiers lack the commutation noise of solid state so are much better but typically limit the power output and require careful slow warmup (good tube amps have a ON click once they reach levels and are ready).
First of all, this youtube series you've been producing has been fascinating! That said, I'm curious why the "Sprout" product-line isn't offering a "tube-buffer" either as an add-on option or as a stand-alone device that shares that same chassis-design as the Sprout?? (Hint, it'd be great if you made this with both balanced and unbalanced in/outs so it could also be a signal-converter between different pre-amps and amplifiers, and also by all means keep the power supply INSIDE the case! The world doesn't need any more "wall-wart" system-clutter, lol)
in consideration to your preference for transistor amplification and that tube front ends are sonically more pleasing to listen to i have to ask: have you considered the korg nutube(6p1) in/as a front end? seems a compatible choice due to the lower required voltage and amperage levels.
I already got pretty good power amp.Yamaha MX-1.From the Yamahas art series.I have got NAD 1155 which i love,but i have never tried a tube preamp.I am going to save some cash for Schiit Freya Plus. :)))
I’ve had many years as a musician, and a tube pre doesn’t have the character unless teamed with output tubes hanging on by their fingernails. But for reproduction, I can see now that I don’t need (or want) that output grind. Wondering whether a tube section between pre and power will help enough, or should I sacrifice the big bucks for a new pre?
If you do not push tubes so hard two things happen. Distortion goes up when you turn up the power. They do not last as long. By using bigger tubes you do not need to push them hard. They last for many years and they sound better. When they do wear out they are cheaper to replace than the labor of hiring a technician to find and change a bad transistor. That is why I use commercial AM radio station 833A transmitter tubes for my SET amplifier. They can handle 2000 to 3000 plate Volts but with only 1000 Volts drawing 120 ma,they are more than loud enough with low sensitivity Magnepans. PS Audio really ought to try building a prototype 833ASET. You can use a Hammond 1642SE output transformer which is rated to 300 ma before core saturation and pot tested to contain several thousand Volts. Just feed the grid with about 600 Ohms from a headphone or low power amplifier at zero grid bias (transformer between 833A grid and ground.) The 10 Volt 10 Amp to heat the cathode is a little tricky to design, but I use a 4.5 Farad capacitor in the final pi filter. Tungsten cathodes have to be heated with pure DC.
Hi Paul. No matter how thin you slice your bread,part of it crumbles to the table. God knows how much "information" is lost by digitizing everything specially something so complicated like sound.
In my experience a tube pre amp ruins the sound of a solid state amp. I use the solid state amp as a first level pre amp to a second tube pre and power amp.
To what extent does a tube front-end have an impedance that behaves as something other than a passive RLC network? The only aspects of a tube amp that would seem hard to model digitally are the impedance of the inputs and outputs. I'm not sure the high and sometimes variable impedance of a power-tube-based output stage would be aesthetically better or worse than the lower impedance of a typical transistor-based output stage, but the ways it would interact with the variable impedance of a typical loudspeaker would be different from the ways a transistor amp would interact, in ways that would seem hard to model. I wouldn't think the impedance behavior of an input stage would be as interesting, but maybe it does add something to the sound I don't know about.
One characteristic of tubes that differentiates them from many transistors is that they have a very high input impedance drawing almost no current from the source. They will not load down the output of whatever is connected to their input. Could this explain their sonic differences?
As You state tubes represent high input impedance and for that reason they are driven by high impedance output sources like tubes too. Then there is a problem with capacities of shielded wiring and capacities between the connections, between elements and chassis and also a problem of potentiometers impedance which is altering itself depending on it's position. With full volume input is driven by impedance equall to full pot resistance, and with moderate it may be just 15% of it. If input is driven from external source it's impedance should be also as low as possible - that may create noise troubles. It all plays up to my observations a filtering game. I suspect in old days engineers trusted more their ears and then they could equal everything by ear in ex tone adjusting or feedback stages with accuracy and tremendous effect. I've reneved such old radio . May be today in industry it is not practiced - all is passsed to measurements and no "secret" equalization is done due to ...ISO? . Than "warm" effect would be more visible.
There is a HUGE difference between a point to point wired tube amp (like my 300b set) with silver wires, vs those that crush through an circuit board. You will find that those that are not point to point wired (which is ALL of the mass produced ones!!!) do not sound as good. His arguments for solid state are utter BUTKIS!!! sure tubes are rare and costly and wear out. so what. You deal with it if you want BLISS not TURD sound.
Hi Sir, I heard someone said "Vacum tube amplifier is introduce even harmonics". If I give signal into the amplifier with only one frequency (pure sinusoidal with only fundamental freq), will I get even harmonics if I perform FFT to my output signal? Or still just one frequency ? Thank U
Now I have a question. Not sure if you already covered it. I will go back and listen again(kids can be distracting). I have since new (first stereo I ever purchased) a Technics SA-GX490 receiver which I love. I am currently using a ADS 5 band graphic EQ with it. Mostly I use it for tapes, but occasionally all the time. Depends on the mood. Can I put a tube preamp on the tape monitor? Or will that be a bad idea?
Thank you for your video. So in your opinion, would a tube hybrid amp or in my case, I am looking for a tube headphone amplifier, be better than an all-tube headphone amplifier? Would it be better to have a solid-state rectifier than a tube rectifier and what sonic benefits would that bring? Thank you, again!
Reason Paul McGowan hate valves is; if you let your fingers go wandering around valve amplifier you will get a electric shock of 200 volts to 1kv. Paul love's letting his fingers wander.
The Audio Research SP3 preamp was good but highly colored. The SP6B was much better. My system is tubes and solid state. I use a solid state moving coil amp and a tube preamp that has a solid state power supply and may amps are solid state up to the output tubes. The amps require tubes as they drive electrostatic panels directly.
How do you/PS feel about Toshiba/Linear Systems JFETs (2sk170, 2sj74)? I love tubes, but have been using said JFETs in buffers (cascoded generally) before mosfet output stages, active crossovers and in preamp circuits. I feel I've been able to get a nice warm sound with very low noise and without the tube microphonics, breakup, and general wear and tear that always brought me back to an increasing cost of maintenance as time goes on.
I think you will find it's close, but never the same. there is a spaciousness that a 300b SET delivers that NOTHING else does, which is why they try to sell them to nubes for 60k
Also, we don't need so many tubes in the preamp as compared to the power amp, which means that the maintenance cost is must economical! I am using tube preamp + ss power amp.
Excellent presentation, even though I’ve ordered a 2W tube amp for a small listening room. It has two inputs, and I’ll feed one input with vinyl, the other with a DAC. Simplicity, but we shall see if I should have gone with the valve front end instead of output. :)
Hello Paul. Greetings from Norway. I’m wondering, will tube riia/record amplifier, make it sound like warmer and more detailed? My amplifier is a Classe sigma 2200i ? 🙂
If you're willing to spend more money, then a tube phono preamp makes sense. At lower prices (less than $600 US), tubes will be much noisier than solid-state because they need much more voltage, thus they have to compromise the power supply to meet the price point.
Today I understood what tubes are good for! As a front stage, Paul has been saying it for years, ‘Valves’ Tubes are a great Input to an amplifier. Now I know what to buy and how to arrange my setup. Im an audiophile beginner and was a bit lost with this tube hype that offers so many budget options through Ebay’s chinese tube amps/ preamps, buffers and whatever. THANKS !
If someone invents a high-impedance alternative to the loudspeaker that doesn't significantly change impedance based on frequency, then tubes will be a contender for output as well
I find it curious that tube aficionados focus on the input stage, when the interaction of output tubes, transformers, and speakers would seem much harder to model. The frequency response of an amplifier-loudspeaker combination will often be affected by the the surrounding environment, in ways that depend upon the amplifier's output impedance characteristics. Perhaps even tube aficionados don't actually like the effects that output tubes have on the sound?
Do you believe in using rectifier tubes for the power supply? Some people say you can't build a tube amp with a solid state bridge rectifier and expect it to sound good. I get the fascination. They're glowing awfully pretty, but so inefficient and expensive... and that internal resistance and sag...
Is it worth replacing the 1N4007 diodes with fast recovery diodes and what do you mean by snubbers ? Caps across the diode ? I once replaced the little rectifier diodes in my Philips based CD player with 1N4007's and the sound improved greatly.
I think it is a nice recreation, I think do it if you want and can do ... I think listening with tubes is very close to what is called historically informed performance, and away from the pure sound the eye and also the perception is different with a tube minster ;) Also, if you are in any subcultures, steampunk etc.. So if you like to listen to historical classical music, swing or rock, the tubes bring you closest to the experience the people had 60 or more years ago. Since energy is quite expensive in europe, I think I stay with solid state rectifiers and stay with Class D/T or worst case AB transistor amps
Rocky Cassiano I am not sure what are you refering to a front end amp, the simple way to explain it is that a tube pre-amplifier works better than a tube amplifier
Bob Carver tried to emulate tube sound with his Transfer Function Modified solid-state amps---it didn't work. Carver forgot about second-order harmonic distortion, which is what gives tube amps their warm sound
Usually a modern Audio Amplifier can be divided in 3 Substages Input/Gain/Power -Stage. The Front end can be Input+Gain or sometimes it only refers to the input stage.
Front end for normal audio hobbiests means a tube output stage preamplifier ,for the audiophile class who splits Preamps into multiple sections front end means the final output stage ,for me a Tube preamp with solid state monoblocks is what my speakers love best ,I have an experimental tube buffer from McIntosh that never went into production that I use on 1 of my CD players and it's the 2nd best sounding CD player I own ,my best CD is a Dynaco tube CD player ,the CDV-1 pro .
I am guessing a little bit here. Systemwise, a front end would be a tube preamp vs solid state amplifier doing the final current deliveries. Component wise, in a preamp, the front end would be the tubes in the first/gain stage vs the buffer state. The buffers (the final stage in preamp) could be tubes or solid state (in the case of a hybrid preamp). In an amplifier, this would be the case of a hybrid amp, the front end would be the tubes in the first/input stage vs solid state in the output stage.
Doubtful. The input stage certainly could, but I am not familiar with a power sub miniature tube and suspect you'd need larger current delivering varieties instead.
@@Paulmcgowanpsaudio Which subminiature tube would give me a very clean signal in the clean channel but when I apply it to a distortion circuit it would be heavy metal worthy like a Peavey 5150 or a Mesa Boogie? I know it's subjective but I'm talking just in theory. Of course when used in a preamp circuit. Thanks.
Hi Paul! This is Panos from Greece! Congradulations for your channel ! I just bought a new turntable an I will need a pre amplifier. I dont know if you have already done a video for this, but my question is: what is better for listening music from TTs? Tube phono pre amps, solid state or just a mixer/ preamplifier that has phono imputs? Thanks for answer! Best regards from Greece!
I tried both (Luxman brand)tube power amp and solid state power amp .The tube sounds more musical bigger better sound stage .solid state has a bit more detail but sounds flat compare to tubes .
Generally, yes. Because amplifiers are broken into two sections - the input voltage gain stage and the output power stage, using the best technology for both makes sense.
Paul where do you get your tubes from what variant of tube do you use! What do you think of KR audio, supposed to be one of the best in the world have you tried their tubes. And going back to buffer stage isn't this just as good as a valve preamp?? And I was thinking could you not achieve the same effect as a valve by using chokes in the preamp output stage I was thinking if the MOSFET run through a choke first wouldn't this not achieve the same effect as a valve?
Not true. Tubes don’t work very well in the low frequency area and at high volumes. For best mid and high frequency natural sound at moderate listening levels then yes tubes at both input and output stages “best” but there are other drawbacks also. Have to replace tubes over time, etc as Paul mentioned.
mine is point to point. silver wire. hand soldered. harder and harder to find. less reliable than with a pc but did you really spend 2000 on tubes to squash the signal through a tiny 1mm trace line on a circuit board?
Full tube amps make sense for guitar players since precise bass isn't a priority and power amp distortion sounds great for them (provided the wattage isn't too high). For bass players, hybrid amps make more sense to use as the bass frequencies have more control with SS power sections. The Ampeg SVT is often revered as the holy grail of bass amps, but I can assure you for me it was a case of never meet your heroes. Played one for a gig once and I was much happier to have my hybrid rig.
this discussion is nauseating I like the sound of pure tube going into my signal path if your listening to me I build my own preamps I have high regards in the 12au7 tube.
Am i the only woman watching this kind of videos.I have always loved good music,a very good sound yet I dont know where to get and what to get.These terms are so technical to me starting with amplifier,receiver,analog ,preamp etc..And all i know is i want to listen to a music which is very clear,where i can hear every instrument used on the music yet subtle and warm.But i dont know where to start...😞
Tubes are very coloured if you like their character you'll like that type of amp. The idea of a tube power, or buffer is frankly ridiculous in hifi terms, but in preamps, I agree they can be more useful. In applications were you want power amp distortion like with instruments, they are great, but for playing back audio recordings you are going to always going to run into gain vs distortion issues. People who sell tube buffers are basically snake oil salesmen because tubes are terrible for buffers, and buffers shouldn't really impart any kind of tone themselves outside of making up for issues caused by poor impedance balances. I think the hifi world is full of people who totally misunderstand basic electrical engineering.
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You confirmed what my Father told me, it was true in the 1970's as well as today. He told me to invest in a good Tube Pre-Amp and a good Solid State Amp with 'quality' Caps.
Your dad was a smart man
Wow!
What high level of honesty, admitting that somebody else's front end design sounded better than his own, putting his companies bets on the other guy's design.
That whole attitude is what I and so many other subscribers of your chanel love so much.
The way you've explained the shootout made me laugh so hard. Very honest and informative Q&A. thank you.
Thank you SO much for this Q&A series, Paul. I love your candor and the obvious pleasure you derive from sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.
This is excellent, been thinking about integrating tubes into my system. Always thought the front end seemed like the most logical spot.
I REALLY enjoyed this story! Especially coming from a very obvious solid state lover. I once read somewhere, “Distortion is pleasant to the human ear” and that my friend is why we love tubes!
Distortion of the even-order harmonics is pleasing and makes the sound seem louder than it actually is. You get this from tubes but not so much from transistors as they generally distort all harmonics which can sound like nails on a chalkboard.
I have been using audio equipment for over 50 years. I can't afford the best of the best but over the years I have owned both tube and solid state equipment. About 15 years ago I had a pair of FET power amps and a Parasound preamp that sounded good but something was missing. I had owned a Jolida tube power amp before and I liked that sound but the output tubes were getting ridiculously expensive so i replaced them with the 200wpc FET monoblocks. As I said they sounded good but not the same.
One day I came across a used Conrad Johnson PV10 preamp for a decent price so I bid on it and a week later it came. I put it into my system and I knew I had made the right choice. Life was good and the replacement tube costs were reasonable. I hav since replaced the FET amps with a Musical Concepts modified Hafler 240 and am even more pleased with the sound.
I agree that having the tubes at the front of the amplification chain is the way to go, you get the sound you want without the drawbacks of tube power amps.
Tubes are mostly voltage devices and bipolar transistors are mostly current devices. Using each according to its nature, tubes will amplify the voltage (preamp) and transistors will amplify the current for the speaker (power amp).
I have a similar set up
A buffer with P7000 halfler diablo
I also have a similar report ...
It sounds great .
When I was a teenager my grandmother gave me her old " Ferguson " tube stereo system that only ever got played at Christmas, I remember back then that it sounded very good and I loved the smell of it when it warmed up, I wish I could remember what happed to it.
Love your videos sir! If you were teaching a class, I would score off the chart! You are a natural at getting the subject across! Bet your a great boss to work with as well. Best of life.
My housemate of years ago had a Copland amp with valve pre-amp stages and solid-state output stages... I have never heard a better sound from an amplifier
I totally agree, my Melos SHA 1 with 2 Ampere Orange Globes makes my Vinyl sound extra delicious
Yes, totally. I agree. Moreover, I like tubed throughout even on the output however you are right about the complications. push-pull transformers for every channel when we talk about hefty output.
Great discussion! Even on a less expensive 'higher end' system like mine, tubes can pay dividends. I purchased an inexpensive tubed Little Dot MKIII preamp/headphone amp to replace my old workhorse solid state Onkyo M-508 Grand Integra preamp, and my jaw dropped! My main music system consists of the Little Dot MKIII preamp, a McIntosh MC162 amplifier, and an Onkyo CS5VL SACD/CD player going into a pair of Magnepan MG12/QR speakers, with a Velodyne sub. I swapped tubes on the MKIII, going with CBS Hytrons (circa mid 1950's?). My music (various genres) immediately sounded better in so many ways! More involving, airy, timbrally accurate and 'warmer', and less fatiguing. Even though the MKIII cost next to nothing (for a tubed preamp), i'm a firm believer in system synergy. There is a certain element of 'randomness' and guessing that goes into audio, and sometimes excellent results can often belie or be inversely proportional to the amount of money spent! The same applies with my other obsession and hobby, Amateur Radio (Ham Radio)!
I'm told that one of the reasons tube perform so well in the front end (and in mic preamps) is because they overload more gracefully, producing pleasant even (mostly 2nd) order harmonics, while solid state components overload more into harsh sounding odd-order harmonics.
Do you enjoy listening to music under overloaded condition? That's what the
volume control is for, to stay out of overload condition.
Studio technicians know how hard it is to keep mic preamps out of overload, distortion, and clipping under highly dynamic situations. Tubes have always excelled under these conditions. These same characteristics give tubes their sweet warm sound even under more benign conditions, it's just the nature of their distortion harmonics in general. So, to answer your question, no, I don't. But that isn't the point.
I've gone back and forth between ss and tubed pre. No matter which one I run, I always feel like I'm missing something the other one does better. Recently it's dawned on me my biggest mistake may be I'm trying to choose one that does both and if I ever found that unit it probably wouldn't do either one great. So I've concluded the only solution is to have both, and rum thru a switch. Now I need a good switch with no measurable loss(🤔🙄😶) it never ends....
wow i have learned alot by watching your videos. I first was trying to look at how to perfect mixes with studio monitors and RUclips brought me here :)
I have a tube buffer between my system and the final power amp. She makes beautiful music! Its in the "adapter loop" jacks of my Sony.
I use a tube pre amp(Audible Illusuons L1) with a very dynamic power amp with lots of punch( Belles 350a). Great sound lots of balls and with that tube sound.
Watching from Austin! You’ll love it
I build small all tube synths and preamps and have for some decades now . I love your honesty in this video , however both me and Leo Fender heard another side of this . Leo made all the hybrid MusicMan amps which are sought after today with solid state front ends and Tube power sections . I tour with a bunch of solid state pedals going in to a small solid state mixer , then I send left to a tube amplifier and right to the solid state house system . I have found for me that if a Tube is the last thing ( with transformer ) that drives the speaker one will get the tube harmonic sound no matter what . I like tubes in the front end but I find for me, it is the most important to have them last . The audio industry has sided with front end tubes and no one makes a hybrid with the power section being tube and the front solid state any more but from my own experience I still like tubes last in the chain the best. Thanks for listening .
Have a look in all models of ROGUE AUDIO
Great story and info & agreed!
Hi Paul. Love these segments; love your products. Unfortunately, though, this answer is wrong. Let me explain:
In Russel Hamm's May 1973 report in the AES Journal (Volume 21, # 4), he conducted the very shootout you're describing - a double blind A/B between tubes and solid-state devices, except that the shootout was also broken up into various stages. In other words, comparisons were made in the front ends - (microphones preamps, phono preamps, line stages) AND in the amplification stages. Not only were subjective (listening) tests performed but performance of each was extensively analyzed.
The result? The MOST profound difference between tubes and solid-state devices occurred wherever there was an electronic-to-electromechanical interface, e.g., speakers, cutting lathes, microphones, turntable cartridges. The differences in line-level reproduction (while they DID exist) were not as noticeable.
It is, therefore, MOST advantageous (in every case except a phono preamp) to have the tubes powering the speakers. Now, you may say, "well then your at the mercy of the output transformer's quality", and this would be true, But remember, we're talking about a "cost is no object" system here, so you can have a top-quality (albeit expensive) output transformer that will NOT exhibit the phase distortion and IMD that many cheap ones do.
If you do so, I can PROMISE you that the tube amplifier (even if fed by a solid-state preamplifier) will result in better subjective sound quality than a tube preamp feeding a solid-state amp, (even a PS Audio, Krell or Mark Levinson ).
This, by the way, is a VERY common misconception - that the best way to get the advantages of "both world's" is to use a tube preamp and a solid-state amp. In fact, you're actually better off doing the OPPOSITE. I, in fact, USED TO believe so myself; It wasn't until I started "flipping the script" in my own designs that I realized how wrong I'd been*. Tubes can be microphonic, so you'd (ideally) like to feed them a strong signal (i.e., one that is ALREADY preamplified), and the use of an output trafo on a Class A tube circuit not only serves to protect the speakers (as transformers can't pass DC) but also acts to cancel out many of the distortions inherent in loudspeakers (by creating similar distortions in the inverse, much the same as a push-pull circuit can cancel out even-order distortions inherent in single-ended designs).
Ever since I've realized the benefits of coupling tube output to transformer to speaker, I've been fighting the same misconception I used to have as well, that tubes are best used in the front end. It's simply not true.
*Note: I've been designing audio components for over 35 years and ran a recording studio for over 25, so had the benefit of being able to compare the playback of a musical performance to the actual performance I'd just heard (while tracking it), which is the best way to judge accuracy.
I WILL SAY THIS: Putting tubes in the front end makes a big difference if you can't get a tube amplifier with an excellent output transfromer. Also, signal tubes "break in" and "open up" more quickly that power tubes, so you may need to get some hours on the equipment before the advantages of the power amp become obvious, but if you can get a first-rate tube amp and let it burn in, they will!
Try it yourself: compare (double-blind) a high-end tube amplifier to ANY solid-state amp in the same system; (gIve the tubes 25 hours or more of use first if the amp is new).
If you thought the difference in the front end was big...
Also, I have to add this: your assessment that "tubes are not as consistent as transistors" is also false (or is based on recent Chinese exports). Tubes (by and large) vary quite a bit less from one to the next than transistors do. I've done curve tracings on over 150 different devices - "Golden Age" tubes, MOSFETs, JFETs, BJTs, etc. - and the tubes varied the least overall from unit to unit.
Your argument may be based on the way that they're utilized; (transistor circuits often must employ NFB to linearize the device and control gain), but if you compare "apples to apples" - (open gain Hfe, input and output impedance, I/V slope) - almost any two NOS 6DJ8's or 6SN7's for example, from the same (American or European) manufacturer would constitute a "matched pair" in transistor terms.
I also experience the same conclusion as you. It is the power tube plus the output transformer creates the magic of good sound stage. Tube preamp helps a little only.
My fav part in your comment is how you keep pushing “try it yourself” well… paul did and his conclusion and the other designers conclusion was unanimous. And this is an up to date test with latest technology and designs. I’d say I’ll take Paul’s and his expert designers opinion on this one.
I have always liked a tube power amp distorting at the same time as the speaker distorts on certain dynamic moments in the music, you hear it all the time in rock records....but when you hear the real thing in the room it is more exciting..the most hifi way to listen to something is when it is in the air.
They work great in amplifiers, radios, and TVs.
Take a look at Vox Valvetronix like my VT40+. Digital FXs/preamp, tube buffer and analog power amp. I changed the Sovtek 12ax7 to the British Mullard (RFT core) 12ax7. Creamy tones.
I am a harp player, and I have all tube amps .Get this, 2 Gibson 1941 suitcase amps . The oldest is pristine and uses 2 6sq7 preamp tubes, a
I sub 6sr7 metals to tone down, 2 6v6 which I use RCA cokebottle, and a 5y3 rectifier that I subbed a BENDIX 6992 . Second Gibson uses different preamps, 6jc7. Same in power, 6v6 and 5y3 . An Ampeg Jet, rebrand as Noble . 6sl7 preamps and 2 6v6 push pulls,5y3 rectifier.. A fine Blackheart Handsome Devil with 12ay7s for preamp and EL84 power tubes . Then, my gigging amp, VHT Special 6, class A, a 7442 preamp . . . 12ax7 one triode and 12au7 the other, then a cokebottle Sylvania 6l6 blackness for a power tube. A GE 5881 works good as well .
Vefy good info, thank you!
I spent 3,000 on my massive marantz sr-18. It has a humungous torroidal transformer and burr brown circuits. It's fine for rock. But when I want violin, sax, piano, vocals, jazz, opera, classical, cello, well theres no contest. My 300B SET blows it out of the water.
I agree.
I just finished my 300b. And ready to compare. BTW, in my experience and IMHO the best place for tubes is in the outputs. The driver, and for PP, the inverter, front end can be IC..
well my amps are all tube, but the 300B is the rectifier which should NOT make that much difference to the sound, yet it does. Any explanations?
My 300b also has a tube rectifier, 5u4. Don't know why, but all 300b's have it. Could have to do with being SE?
tube rectifiers lack the commutation noise of solid state so are much better but typically limit the power output and require careful slow warmup (good tube amps have a ON click once they reach levels and are ready).
First of all, this youtube series you've been producing has been fascinating! That said, I'm curious why the "Sprout" product-line isn't offering a "tube-buffer" either as an add-on option or as a stand-alone device that shares that same chassis-design as the Sprout?? (Hint, it'd be great if you made this with both balanced and unbalanced in/outs so it could also be a signal-converter between different pre-amps and amplifiers, and also by all means keep the power supply INSIDE the case! The world doesn't need any more "wall-wart" system-clutter, lol)
I love your videos.
I use tube amp to power sennheiser HD600. Heaven.
in consideration to your preference for transistor amplification and that tube front ends are sonically more pleasing to listen to i have to ask:
have you considered the korg nutube(6p1) in/as a front end? seems a compatible choice due to the lower required voltage and amperage levels.
I already got pretty good power amp.Yamaha MX-1.From the Yamahas art series.I have got NAD 1155 which i love,but i have never tried a tube preamp.I am going to save some cash for Schiit Freya Plus. :)))
I’ve had many years as a musician, and a tube pre doesn’t have the character unless teamed with output tubes hanging on by their fingernails. But for reproduction, I can see now that I don’t need (or want) that output grind. Wondering whether a tube section between pre and power will help enough, or should I sacrifice the big bucks for a new pre?
If you do not push tubes so hard two things happen. Distortion goes up when you turn up the power. They do not last as long. By using bigger tubes you do not need to push them hard. They last for many years and they sound better. When they do wear out they are cheaper to replace than the labor of hiring a technician to find and change a bad transistor. That is why I use commercial AM radio station 833A transmitter tubes for my SET amplifier. They can handle 2000 to 3000 plate Volts but with only 1000 Volts drawing 120 ma,they are more than loud enough with low sensitivity Magnepans. PS Audio really ought to try building a prototype 833ASET. You can use a Hammond 1642SE output transformer which is rated to 300 ma before core saturation and pot tested to contain several thousand Volts. Just feed the grid with about 600 Ohms from a headphone or low power amplifier at zero grid bias (transformer between 833A grid and ground.) The 10 Volt 10 Amp to heat the cathode is a little tricky to design, but I use a 4.5 Farad capacitor in the final pi filter. Tungsten cathodes have to be heated with pure DC.
Hi Paul. No matter how thin you slice your bread,part of it crumbles to the table. God knows how much "information" is lost by digitizing everything specially something so complicated like sound.
hi any ideas i can install a tube on a crossover "?"
Would an integrated tube amplifier be the best of all worlds? Do they use tubes in both functions? Thanks!
thats a cool story :D
In my experience a tube pre amp ruins the sound of a solid state amp. I use the solid state amp as a first level pre amp to a second tube pre and power amp.
What about a tube-enhanced source, like tube CD player?
Tube up front, solid state out
To what extent does a tube front-end have an impedance that behaves as something other than a passive RLC network? The only aspects of a tube amp that would seem hard to model digitally are the impedance of the inputs and outputs. I'm not sure the high and sometimes variable impedance of a power-tube-based output stage would be aesthetically better or worse than the lower impedance of a typical transistor-based output stage, but the ways it would interact with the variable impedance of a typical loudspeaker would be different from the ways a transistor amp would interact, in ways that would seem hard to model. I wouldn't think the impedance behavior of an input stage would be as interesting, but maybe it does add something to the sound I don't know about.
Tubes=voltage amplification SS=current capability
One characteristic of tubes that differentiates them from many transistors is that they have a very high input impedance drawing almost no current from the source. They will not load down the output of whatever is connected to their input. Could this explain their sonic differences?
Most SS equipment also has high Z inputs. Maybe not as high as a lot of tube equipment, but certainly high enough to make current draw a non issue.
As You state tubes represent high input impedance and for that reason they are driven by high impedance output sources like tubes too. Then there is a problem with capacities of shielded wiring and capacities between the connections, between elements and chassis and also a problem of potentiometers impedance which is altering itself depending on it's position. With full volume input is driven by impedance equall to full pot resistance, and with moderate it may be just 15% of it. If input is driven from external source it's impedance should be also as low as possible - that may create noise troubles. It all plays up to my observations a filtering game. I suspect in old days engineers trusted more their ears and then they could equal everything by ear in ex tone adjusting or feedback stages with accuracy and tremendous effect. I've reneved such old radio . May be today in industry it is not practiced - all is passsed to measurements and no "secret" equalization is done due to ...ISO? . Than "warm" effect would be more visible.
There is a HUGE difference between a point to point wired tube amp (like my 300b set) with silver wires, vs those that crush through an circuit board. You will find that those that are not point to point wired (which is ALL of the mass produced ones!!!) do not sound as good. His arguments for solid state are utter BUTKIS!!! sure tubes are rare and costly and wear out. so what. You deal with it if you want BLISS not TURD sound.
If you're gonna use a tube buffer, you might as well use a tube preamp. Unless you don't use a preamp.
Hey Paul, if you're looking for a cool place in Texas to visit, San Antonio has all the coolness of Austin without all the lameness of Austin! Haha
Yes, I’m from San Antonio
@@Maxumized as am I, we’ve been having a wonderful cold snap here this week!
@Grax jhnsn, you mean left wing garbage.
Hi Sir, I heard someone said "Vacum tube amplifier is introduce even harmonics". If I give signal into the amplifier with only one frequency (pure sinusoidal with only fundamental freq), will I get even harmonics if I perform FFT to my output signal? Or still just one frequency ? Thank U
Now I have a question. Not sure if you already covered it. I will go back and listen again(kids can be distracting). I have since new (first stereo I ever purchased) a Technics SA-GX490 receiver which I love. I am currently using a ADS 5 band graphic EQ with it. Mostly I use it for tapes, but occasionally all the time. Depends on the mood. Can I put a tube preamp on the tape monitor? Or will that be a bad idea?
Thank you for your video. So in your opinion, would a tube hybrid amp or in my case, I am looking for a tube headphone amplifier, be better than an all-tube headphone amplifier? Would it be better to have a solid-state rectifier than a tube rectifier and what sonic benefits would that bring? Thank you, again!
Reason Paul McGowan hate valves is; if you let your fingers go wandering around valve amplifier you will get a electric shock of 200 volts to 1kv. Paul love's letting his fingers wander.
The Audio Research SP3 preamp was good but highly colored. The SP6B was much better. My system is tubes and solid state. I use a solid state moving coil amp and a tube preamp that has a solid state power supply and may amps are solid state up to the output tubes. The amps require tubes as they drive electrostatic panels directly.
I have BAT VK-33 tube pre feeding Musical Fidelity M8-700 monos. Very pleased with the combination for everything from Black Sabbath to Bill Evans
How do you/PS feel about Toshiba/Linear Systems JFETs (2sk170, 2sj74)? I love tubes, but have been using said JFETs in buffers (cascoded generally) before mosfet output stages, active crossovers and in preamp circuits. I feel I've been able to get a nice warm sound with very low noise and without the tube microphonics, breakup, and general wear and tear that always brought me back to an increasing cost of maintenance as time goes on.
I think you will find it's close, but never the same. there is a spaciousness that a 300b SET delivers that NOTHING else does, which is why they try to sell them to nubes for 60k
Also, we don't need so many tubes in the preamp as compared to the power amp, which means that the maintenance cost is must economical! I am using tube preamp + ss power amp.
So he's saying tubes in a preamp is more beneficial than say a tube integrated amplifier, correct?
Tubes in the front end also last a lot longer.
Excellent presentation, even though I’ve ordered a 2W tube amp for a small listening room. It has two inputs, and I’ll feed one input with vinyl, the other with a DAC. Simplicity, but we shall see if I should have gone with the valve front end instead of output. :)
Hello Paul. Greetings from Norway.
I’m wondering, will tube riia/record amplifier, make it sound like warmer and more detailed? My amplifier is a Classe sigma 2200i ?
🙂
If you're willing to spend more money, then a tube phono preamp makes sense. At lower prices (less than $600 US), tubes will be much noisier than solid-state because they need much more voltage, thus they have to compromise the power supply to meet the price point.
Hi what about 16 ohm speaker system
Today I understood what tubes are good for! As a front stage, Paul has been saying it for years, ‘Valves’ Tubes are a great Input to an amplifier. Now I know what to buy and how to arrange my setup. Im an audiophile beginner and was a bit lost with this tube hype that offers so many budget options through Ebay’s chinese tube amps/ preamps, buffers and whatever. THANKS !
If someone invents a high-impedance alternative to the loudspeaker that doesn't significantly change impedance based on frequency, then tubes will be a contender for output as well
I find it curious that tube aficionados focus on the input stage, when the interaction of output tubes, transformers, and speakers would seem much harder to model. The frequency response of an amplifier-loudspeaker combination will often be affected by the the surrounding environment, in ways that depend upon the amplifier's output impedance characteristics. Perhaps even tube aficionados don't actually like the effects that output tubes have on the sound?
Nice
Been there, done all that. Moscode 402Au - George Kaye
Requiring a transformer is bad?
Hi Paul, your descriptions are great, but why don't you show and demonstrate these products so that we can really appreciate them.
Do you believe in using rectifier tubes for the power supply? Some people say you can't build a tube amp with a solid state bridge rectifier and expect it to sound good. I get the fascination. They're glowing awfully pretty, but so inefficient and expensive... and that internal resistance and sag...
Is it worth replacing the 1N4007 diodes with fast recovery diodes and what do you mean by snubbers ? Caps across the diode ? I once replaced the little rectifier diodes in my Philips based CD player with 1N4007's and the sound improved greatly.
I think it is a nice recreation, I think do it if you want and can do ... I think listening with tubes is very close to what is called historically informed performance, and away from the pure sound the eye and also the perception is different with a tube minster ;) Also, if you are in any subcultures, steampunk etc.. So if you like to listen to historical classical music, swing or rock, the tubes bring you closest to the experience the people had 60 or more years ago. Since energy is quite expensive in europe, I think I stay with solid state rectifiers and stay with Class D/T or worst case AB transistor amps
I'm a newbie.... Does a tube-front-end of an amp sound a lot different than a tube pre-amp?
Rocky Cassiano I am not sure what are you refering to a front end amp, the simple way to explain it is that a tube pre-amplifier works better than a tube amplifier
Same thing, in this context.
SET Follower....
The old timer high end guys would argue a VFET
A pretty good compromise between the two -
Austin is definitely the place to go.
Bob Carver tried to emulate tube sound with his Transfer Function Modified solid-state amps---it didn't work. Carver forgot about second-order harmonic distortion, which is what gives tube amps their warm sound
I agree sort of it didn't work, but Carver forget about second order distortion? Really???!?
Hi all. Can someone explain what he means by "front end"? Does this specifically mean the preamp? Thanks
Usually a modern Audio Amplifier can be divided in 3 Substages Input/Gain/Power -Stage. The Front end can be Input+Gain or sometimes it only refers to the input stage.
Front end = Input stage
Preamp.
Keith Moran - Preamp and also the input stage of a power amplifier
Front end for normal audio hobbiests means a tube output stage preamplifier ,for the audiophile class who splits Preamps into multiple sections front end means the final output stage ,for me a Tube preamp with solid state monoblocks is what my speakers love best ,I have an experimental tube buffer from McIntosh that never went into production that I use on 1 of my CD players and it's the 2nd best sounding CD player I own ,my best CD is a Dynaco tube CD player ,the CDV-1 pro .
He says tubes are best introduced in the front end. What is the front end? Probably dumb question but still learning, thanks!
I am guessing a little bit here.
Systemwise, a front end would be a tube preamp vs solid state amplifier doing the final current deliveries.
Component wise, in a preamp, the front end would be the tubes in the first/gain stage vs the buffer state. The buffers (the final stage in preamp) could be tubes or solid state (in the case of a hybrid preamp).
In an amplifier, this would be the case of a hybrid amp, the front end would be the tubes in the first/input stage vs solid state in the output stage.
how i can send my questions to you?
I guess that’s probably why McIntosh has their MA275, with tube pre amp and solid state amp
I love it’s sound
Can a 20 watt tube amp especially for guitar be built entirely out of subminiature vacuum tubes?
Doubtful. The input stage certainly could, but I am not familiar with a power sub miniature tube and suspect you'd need larger current delivering varieties instead.
@@Paulmcgowanpsaudio Which subminiature tube would give me a very clean signal in the clean channel but when I apply it to a distortion circuit it would be heavy metal worthy like a Peavey 5150 or a Mesa Boogie? I know it's subjective but I'm talking just in theory. Of course when used in a preamp circuit. Thanks.
Damn. Texans and shootouts. Hopefully you didn't hurt anyone's pride 😂
Hi Paul!
This is Panos from Greece!
Congradulations for your channel !
I just bought a new turntable an I will need a pre amplifier.
I dont know if you have already done a video for this, but my question is: what is better for listening music from TTs? Tube phono pre amps, solid state or just a mixer/ preamplifier that has phono imputs?
Thanks for answer!
Best regards from Greece!
Anywhere except a subwoofer amp or digital circuitry. No buffers.
I tried both (Luxman brand)tube power amp and solid state power amp .The tube sounds more musical bigger better sound stage .solid state has a bit more detail but sounds flat compare to tubes .
What's the front end the very piece of equipment or the second
So hybrid amps are the best?
Generally, yes. Because amplifiers are broken into two sections - the input voltage gain stage and the output power stage, using the best technology for both makes sense.
@@Paulmcgowanpsaudio thanks. May God bless you.
tube pre-amp section followed by class"a" transistor output amplifier.
Gizmo Thewytchdoktor.
or class D
Paul where do you get your tubes from what variant of tube do you use! What do you think of KR audio, supposed to be one of the best in the world have you tried their tubes. And going back to buffer stage isn't this just as good as a valve preamp?? And I was thinking could you not achieve the same effect as a valve by using chokes in the preamp output stage I was thinking if the MOSFET run through a choke first wouldn't this not achieve the same effect as a valve?
KT88 c. 1956 is a "musical instrument."
They are best in the system when the system is ALL tubes, this is the correct answer
Not true. Tubes don’t work very well in the low frequency area and at high volumes.
For best mid and high frequency natural sound at moderate listening levels then yes tubes at both input and output stages “best” but there are other drawbacks also. Have to replace tubes over time, etc as Paul mentioned.
4:51
I like the old days when tube amps were point to point wiring.
mine is point to point. silver wire. hand soldered. harder and harder to find. less reliable than with a pc but did you really spend 2000 on tubes to squash the signal through a tiny 1mm trace line on a circuit board?
Just check some Prima Luna if you like point to point wiring ... ;)
That's the only correct way of building a tube amp.
Yep!
nos tubes last 10000 hours
Not all Nos tube is expensive
True soviet military tubes are tons cheaper than Western counterparts and they are of excellent quality.
Steely state do not use at all Tubes in everything i find sounds the best.
Build a pre amp with a Gram Slee designed stage. Everybody wants an elevator-revalation combo for thier LP stage. An integrated better yet.
Well we guitar players sure do love our tubes but our amps are a horse of a different color...might even very well be a zebra in fact.
Full tube amps make sense for guitar players since precise bass isn't a priority and power amp distortion sounds great for them (provided the wattage isn't too high). For bass players, hybrid amps make more sense to use as the bass frequencies have more control with SS power sections. The Ampeg SVT is often revered as the holy grail of bass amps, but I can assure you for me it was a case of never meet your heroes. Played one for a gig once and I was much happier to have my hybrid rig.
In the museum.
this discussion is nauseating I like the sound of pure tube going into my signal path if your listening to me I build my own preamps I have high regards in the 12au7 tube.
6AS7 / 6080 cathode followers, baby!
Vacuum tubes are good as decoration only.
Am i the only woman watching this kind of videos.I have always loved good music,a very good sound yet I dont know where to get and what to get.These terms are so technical to me starting with amplifier,receiver,analog ,preamp etc..And all i know is i want to listen to a music which is very clear,where i can hear every instrument used on the music yet subtle and warm.But i dont know where to start...😞
I'm partially deaf From serving in the 34th Artillery in Nam. So sound quality doesn't matter much!
Tubes are very coloured if you like their character you'll like that type of amp.
The idea of a tube power, or buffer is frankly ridiculous in hifi terms, but in preamps, I agree they can be more useful.
In applications were you want power amp distortion like with instruments, they are great, but for playing back audio recordings you are going to always going to run into gain vs distortion issues.
People who sell tube buffers are basically snake oil salesmen because tubes are terrible for buffers, and buffers shouldn't really impart any kind of tone themselves outside of making up for issues caused by poor impedance balances.
I think the hifi world is full of people who totally misunderstand basic electrical engineering.