[gordolindsay]

I would like to try out tubes and was wondering what would be the best pick as to where to have them in my chain.

Right now I have a pair of MS-2i's but they're running straight out of my soundcard (Audiophile 192). They sound ok, but I can tell that there is something more to them.

I started another thread asking for a fast but warm amp and it got a total of 1 reply so maybe this method will work a little better.

I would buy an amp first then upgrade my source so I would like to know what would make the MS-2i's sing the best. I would probably get a dac as a source if that makes it easier for anyone.

Thanks.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordolindsay I would like to try out tubes and was wondering what would be the best pick as to where to have them in my chain. Right now I have a pair of MS-2i's but they're running straight out of my soundcard (Audiophile 192). They sound ok, but I can tell that there is something more to them. I started another thread asking for a fast but warm amp and it got a total of 1 reply so maybe this method will work a little better. I would buy an amp first then upgrade my source so I would like to know what would make the MS-2i's sing the best. I would probably get a dac as a source if that makes it easier for anyone. Thanks.

Fast but warm amp = Singlepower SLAM PPX3. The SLAM PPX3 sound great with grados .... actually with about any headphone. You cant go wrong with this amp. There is a wealth of info on these amps if you do a search for more input.

On to your next question I personally use a ss source with tube amps. I have heard a few tube output sources that are neutral enough to mate with a tube amp .... but they tend to be expensive.

You didnt give a budget so a dac is a good low cost solution. But for the best sound I like the modded one box cd players from establishments like sacdmods. These players cost more but you get what you pay for +.

www.sacdmods.com

 

[drarthurwells]

SS source - tube preamp - SS amp is my favorite combo.

SS source - tube integrated amp is also quite good.

Don't like any other combo myself.

I like a neutral SS source and believe that a tube source may introduce tone body richness that is overemphasized in being early in the signal chain.

After a SS source, a tube preamp can add some tone body fullness/richness, then a SS amp can emphasize tone edge sharpness, and the combo can be just right. This produces the best in 3-D imaging of tones/instruments pinpointed in empty space, where tones are encapsulated (a rich and full body with sharply defined edges) to a high degree.

The hybrid headphone amp is a like a tube preamp plus SS amp in this regard.

Much depends on tube selection: as someone posting here often says, "good tubes with a bad amp is better than bad tubes with a good amp".

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by drarthurwells SS source - tube preamp - SS amp is my favorite combo. SS source - tube integrated amp is also quite good. Don't like any other combo myself. I like a neutral SS source and believe that a tube source may introduce tone body richness that is overemphasized in being early in the signal chain. After a SS source, a tube preamp can add some tone body fullness/richness, then a SS amp can emphasize tone edge sharpness, and the combo can be just right. This produces the best in 3-D imaging of tones/instruments pinpointed in empty space, where tones are encapsulated (a rich and full body with sharply defined edges) to a high degree. The hybrid headphone amp is a like a tube preamp plus SS amp in this regard. Much depends on tube selection: as someone posting here often says, "good tubes with a bad amp is better than bad tubes with a good amp".

x2... this pretty much nails it for me.
SS source + tube amp. Millet hybrid and earmax are my amps of choice. Millet when I want an aggressive, yet still warm sound, earmax when I want a super-colored, warm sound for my RS1.

My technics CD deck is pretty neutral... if anything its a bit bass-shy.

Carver once made some tube/hybrid CD decks which I'm kind of interested in. Although it might color things too much, they're around $200 used.

 

[Ferbose]

If you have only one system then I would say you can put tube wherever you like.
But if you ever expand your system then I say get an SS source. This way you keep the option of having a pure SS system, which is the norm today. All-tube systems without any transistor in the signal path is very rare today. Unless you are considering an all-tube system, I would say get an SS source because it is more versatile. One source can feed multiple amps.

 

[DigiPete]

I like my SS source modded CD-E5 to my SS DIY Dynamight amp.

Very neutral and transparent, and musical.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigiPete I like my SS source ... to my SS ... amp. Very neutral and transparent, and musical.

Darn straight!

 

[gordolindsay]

Thanks for the input everyone!

I know what I want to do but don't have the cash to do so

I am pretty sure the PPX3 Slam is what I eventually want to work towards, but that might be quite a while. Would the Meier Headfive be a good amp to get that full, fun sound until I can work up to the Slam?

 

[markmaxx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordolindsay Thanks for the input everyone! I know what I want to do but don't have the cash to do so I am pretty sure the PPX3 Slam is what I eventually want to work towards, but that might be quite a while. Would the Meier Headfive be a good amp to get that full, fun sound until I can work up to the Slam?

[/IMG]

I like the Meridian line with the Singlepower line of tube amps. PS. Mikhail has a Meridian he uses for everything at his shop and he brings it to the meet's so there is a big endorsment for Meridian. I think he might have had the Meridian in mind when he built the PPX3 Slam what do you think? they look good in the picture togeather don't they?