ConcertJoe86 Posted January 16 Posted January 16 (edited) How much does it matter if I go with a SS or Tube Preamp? I'm new to higher end systems. Some background - The first pair of high-end speakers I bought were a pair of new Klipsch KG2s when I was in college, and have been a fan ever since. And since my intent was to set up the space to listen in stereo with an emphasis on live albums/Cds, I was focused on a new/used pair in the Heritage lineup. After doing a bunch of research and finally hearing the Cornwalls, I was sold. Got a great deal on the floor model, and picked up the used amps below from the same store. My current set-up: Inputs: DAC - Centrance Dacmini CX CD Transport - Sony BlueRay Stream - Sonos Connect TT - Audio Technica (my son's - he's gotten into vinyl, i'm the CD guy) Preamp - Holman Power amp - PrimaLuna ProLogue Monoblocks I just finished (for now) setting up my listening space and i'm loving the sound, the space.... everything. At some point I will want to dial everything in even better, but for now I'm enjoying how centered the vocals are, and how much I'm hearing things from my old CDs that I don't think I ever heard before. My son's have pointed out the same - hearing things from albums, and even spotify streaming that they hadn't heard before. If I replace the Preamp, does it make sense to go w/ SS, or Tube? The only reason I'm considering changing is so I can set-up something like Dirac Live to fine tune, and to have a more modern preamp that allows for different settings, and a remote. Can I accomplish all of that with the Holman? Not gonna lie, it's pretty cool having a 1970's preamp that sounds and looks amazing, so feel free to talk me out of changing anything, or offering other advice. TIA Edited January 16 by ConcertJoe86 typos 1 Quote
hanksjim1 Posted January 16 Posted January 16 The Primaluna preamps get high marks...maybe you can get a retailer to let you try one in your system on a trial basis. I also have a Apt preamp, which I enjoy, but the tube preamps are different and sound a bit more "airy" to me. I also like the Aric Audio line. 1 Quote
mopardave Posted January 16 Posted January 16 10 hours ago, ConcertJoe86 said: How much does it matter if I go with a SS or Tube Preamp? I'm new to higher end systems. Some background - The first pair of high-end speakers I bought were a pair of new Klipsch KG2s when I was in college, and have been a fan ever since. And since my intent was to set up the space to listen in stereo with an emphasis on live albums/Cds, I was focused on a new/used pair in the Heritage lineup. After doing a bunch of research and finally hearing the Cornwalls, I was sold. Got a great deal on the floor model, and picked up the used amps below from the same store. My current set-up: Inputs: DAC - Centrance Dacmini CX CD Transport - Sony BlueRay Stream - Sonos Connect TT - Audio Technica (my son's - he's gotten into vinyl, i'm the CD guy) Preamp - Holman Power amp - PrimaLuna ProLogue Monoblocks I just finished (for now) setting up my listening space and i'm loving the sound, the space.... everything. At some point I will want to dial everything in even better, but for now I'm enjoying how centered the vocals are, and how much I'm hearing things from my old CDs that I don't think I ever heard before. My son's have pointed out the same - hearing things from albums, and even spotify streaming that they hadn't heard before. If I replace the Preamp, does it make sense to go w/ SS, or Tube? The only reason I'm considering changing is so I can set-up something like Dirac Live to fine tune, and to have a more modern preamp that allows for different settings, and a remote. Can I accomplish all of that with the Holman? Not gonna lie, it's pretty cool having a 1970's preamp that sounds and looks amazing, so feel free to talk me out of changing anything, or offering other advice. TIA I bought a Mapletree pre amp 24 years ago and its still in use today with the same tubes it came with. They are not talked about much, but make a nice pre amp. Couple years ago i bought their phono pre amp. Its just as nice as the first one. 1 Quote
Schu Posted January 16 Posted January 16 A lot of sound lives in the preamp... there are so many flavors around, experiment and find what your ear favors. 2 Quote
jcn3 Posted February 25 Posted February 25 On 1/15/2025 at 10:28 PM, ConcertJoe86 said: How much does it matter if I go with a SS or Tube Preamp? I'm new to higher end systems. Some background - The first pair of high-end speakers I bought were a pair of new Klipsch KG2s when I was in college, and have been a fan ever since. And since my intent was to set up the space to listen in stereo with an emphasis on live albums/Cds, I was focused on a new/used pair in the Heritage lineup. After doing a bunch of research and finally hearing the Cornwalls, I was sold. Got a great deal on the floor model, and picked up the used amps below from the same store. My current set-up: Inputs: DAC - Centrance Dacmini CX CD Transport - Sony BlueRay Stream - Sonos Connect TT - Audio Technica (my son's - he's gotten into vinyl, i'm the CD guy) Preamp - Holman Power amp - PrimaLuna ProLogue Monoblocks I just finished (for now) setting up my listening space and i'm loving the sound, the space.... everything. At some point I will want to dial everything in even better, but for now I'm enjoying how centered the vocals are, and how much I'm hearing things from my old CDs that I don't think I ever heard before. My son's have pointed out the same - hearing things from albums, and even spotify streaming that they hadn't heard before. If I replace the Preamp, does it make sense to go w/ SS, or Tube? The only reason I'm considering changing is so I can set-up something like Dirac Live to fine tune, and to have a more modern preamp that allows for different settings, and a remote. Can I accomplish all of that with the Holman? Not gonna lie, it's pretty cool having a 1970's preamp that sounds and looks amazing, so feel free to talk me out of changing anything, or offering other advice. TIA with your amps, i would think something like the evo 200 preamplifier would be the natural choice. if you want a tube pre-amp with a no nonsense look like the holman, then a quicksilver remote control line stage would be a good choice (https://quicksilveraudio.com/products/rc-line-stage-preamp/). don't think you're going to find any tube preamps with dsp built into them. the workaround is to get something like a mini-dsp and use the tape loop on the preamp. (https://www.minidsp.com) Quote
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