Polks with tubes

[gammajo]

A question that is related to my previous post but wanting to seperate out this information. I currently have ss equipment with 2.3's. What changes might I expect by adding a tubed pre, and or a tubed amp? One of the Polks best things is how they do rock. I have heard that tubes are a bit liad back on base. Thank you.

[jrlouie]

From my limited experience with a tubed pre, you'll notice: warmth, smooth sounding music, less harsh to the ear, more natural sounding. I loved it with music.
Some might argue if you get good enough SS equipment, you can achieve the same thing.
I actually have been very happy with this chain of equipment making me miss less and less the lack of tubes in the mix: Cambridge CDP --> 990 (bypass) --> Outlaw 7500.

[gammajo]

Jrlouie
Thank you for your response. Anything you feel ss does better such as slam or sparkle?

[jrlouie]

I have only had a tube pre, which was hooked up to a SS amp so the slam was always there. Everything sounded great actually.
The only thing I'd say is maybe the noise floor was slightly more than with my full SS setup. But, I only had an entry level tube pre-amp and maybe that noise floor could've been decreased with a higher level tube pre.

[gammajo]

Thanks for the clarification

[F1nut]

Tube pre with a SS amp equals a winning combination.

[dorokusai]

You sound like a sports broadcaster Jesse :D

[gammajo]

Any tube pre that you recommend that doesn't involve alot of fuss with bias adjusting and tube rolling -I had never owned a tubed peice of equipment and want to keep it simple but of course wonderful sounding. Also under 2.5K used.
Thanks
Joe

[BobMcG]

Nice budget to work with. A new Dodd MLP is $2,800, not far off your budget. But if you could find a used one...

[dorokusai]

There are a bunch of excellent choices <2.5K, some WAY under....unless you're stuck on that figure.

[gammajo]

Definitely not stuck of the figure, if $500 will do it, I'd be thrilled.

[BobMcG]

Definitely not stuck of the figure, if $500 will do it, I'd be thrilled.

Ok, then see if anyone is ready to part with their Dodd ELP. ;) :)

[dorokusai]

The Anthem Pre-1L or 2L w/ remote...are two that always perform very well in the $4-600 bracket.

[read-alot]

A question that is related to my previous post but wanting to seperate out this information. I currently have ss equipment with 2.3's. What changes might I expect by adding a tubed pre, and or a tubed amp? One of the Polks best things is how they do rock. I have heard that tubes are a bit liad back on base. Thank you.

Is your name Gavin who lives in Raleigh that wants to sell his polks?
If so what do you want for them?

[gammajo]

Thanks Bob McG and Dorokusai for your suggestions. I will research them.

[gammajo]

Read-alot
Nope my name is Joe and I live in Western NC

[faster100]

Tube pre with a SS amp equals a winning combination.

what about the other way around? ss pre to tube amp?

[gammajo]

I have always heard that tube pre and ss amp gives you the power and bass slam of ss with some of the liquidity and warmth of tubes via the pre. Help me understand what are the advantages to what you suggest

[Tour2ma]

It'll keep you warmer in the winter... :D

[soupbone]

I tried a Audio Electronics Supply AE-25 Super Amp DJH version with my 1.2's.......Didn't work. Too much output impedance. Sda effect was gone. Check with Ken first.

[gammajo]

Will do thanks

[BSUfbfan]

Hi gammajo,

I noticed you have Aragon for amp/preamp, as do I. I wanted to experience tube sound, but didn't want to break the very nice relationship between my amp/preamp, so I upgraded to a tube CD player and i couldn't be happier. Beautiful tube warmth and detail, along with the Aragon power and low-noise makes a great combination to my ears.

Something to think about.

BSU

[dbnh]

I too use a tubed CD player, and find it gives me what I want with my SS mono amps + preamp. However, my analog deck is still what gives me the greatest listening pleasure.

YMMV.

[ckpiv]

A question that is related to my previous post but wanting to seperate out this information. I currently have ss equipment with 2.3's. What changes might I expect by adding a tubed pre, and or a tubed amp? One of the Polks best things is how they do rock. I have heard that tubes are a bit liad back on base. Thank you.

I just picked up a Dodd MLP from fellow forum member HTrookie to use with my SS Parasound Halo A21 and 2.3's. The difference is unbelievable! The soundstage has more depth and is better defined and the music just has much more presence. The lows are very defined and have a lot more slam. The mids are very smooth and warm with the highs very defined and more realistic. Overall the sound is much more natural. Go with a Dodd ELP or MLP and you will not be disappointed. Everytime I sit down and listen I am in Awe of the sound difference the tubes make with the 2.3's!

Good Luck

[gammajo]

Thank you all for your responses. They are much appreciated.
Joe