[Operandi]

I wasn't sure where exactly to post this question but since I intend to use this (Tubehead) on my desktop setup it made the most sense...

I'm looking to use the Tubehead after my Spitfire DAC and before an Adcom GFA-535 amp and some custom DIY monitor speakers for a pretty over the top desktop PC setup.

Dose anyone have any experience with this preamp? I haven't heard much about it but I'm assuming thats because it's such a niche product. I assume it's good since I haven't heard otherwise and the other Firestone gear is great for the money but I'd like to hear from someone with experience if possible before I layout the money.

 

[Operandi]

A bump.

 

[germanium]

I don't know anything about your tube preamp but most tube preamps are quite good & can have very low distortion without using negative feedback. You may want to replace your GFA 535 power amp with something better though as they are nothing special in terms of sound quality. At least that is true of the original series. The series 2 were better but still could quite easily be bettered. Otherwise you would not be taking full advantage of the potential sound quality of the tube preamp.

Tube preamps tend to be very open sounding & dynamic as there usually is little or no feedback on them. The less feedback the better on them as the more feedback you use on them the more constricted the sound becomes. Unfortunately the sound is already quite constricted on the original series GFA535 amps & they have very little for soundstage which is a hallmark of tube preamps & amps so these qualities would be lost on the GFA535.

 

[Operandi]

Thanks germanium. This will be my fist Tube anything that I've owned (if go through with it). I've heard a bit of a older vintage Mcintosh tube amp and liked what I heard but didn't spend much time with it or do any comparisons.

The Adcom (it is the II of the GFA535) is basically a result of my limited budget. They seem to be pretty highly regarded for the price and I've been happy with the GFA545 I got from my Dad that is powering my mains. Besides, these will be my fist speakers that are really capable of revealing the difference between an amp that is simple "good" and one that is "very good" or "exceptional". I'll look into upgrading the amp with something better once the speakers are done and properly setup, probably a DIY kit of some sort.

 

[IceClass]

I owned one and loved it so much I regret selling it.
It was nice and small, quite transparent, solidly built and mated well with pretty much any amp I connected it to.
It went particularly well sound and size wise with a Toshiba M15.

 

[Operandi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceClass /img/forum/go_quote.gif I owned one and loved it so much I regret selling it. It was nice and small, quite transparent, solidly built and mated well with pretty much any amp I connected it to. It went particularly well sound and size wise with a Toshiba M15.

Nice, is the "tube sound" readily apparent or more subtle? Also how is the SNR, that was one spec I couldn't find that kinda had me worried.

 

[IceClass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Operandi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Nice, is the "tube sound" readily apparent or more subtle? Also how is the SNR, that was one spec I couldn't find that kinda had me worried.

It's subtle. It's a hybrid and not a full tube design.

 

[Operandi]

I see, and how about the noise floor?

 

[IceClass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Operandi /img/forum/go_quote.gif I see, and how about the noise floor?

Nothing negative to report there either. It's a nice tight and transparent design and it's good but not great value for money unless the size is a selling point.
I used mine with single and twin Toshiba M15s, and a Nak 620 in a nearfield and a full room setup and it held it's own easily.
It is not a giant a killer but earns its keep nicely and looks cute as hell doing it. I got quite a kick pairing it with the full size amps as well as the Big Joe.
Sadly, they don't come up used that often. I'm guessing owners hang on to them.

 

[Operandi]

Very cool.

Yeah the size is a definitely a major selling point for me as its going on my desk with the rest of my gear, the monitors will be on stands around right next to the ends of the desk.