Solid State Pre Amp with Tube Amp - Pointless?

GoesToEleven · 19th April 2011, 04:20 AM

Hey all,

To preface, I'm new to the audio/analog world...

I'm using a NAD P2i preamp with a Rega turntable and I'm building the S-5 Tube amp to complete my analog system.

My question is this: Was it pointless to use a solid state pre with a tube amp as my goal was to build up a true analog system as the tube amp is amplifying the output from a solid state pre, or am I just thinking too much?

Thoughts everyone???

Thanks in advance!

DF96 · 19th April 2011, 09:57 AM

Solid-state is analogue too! Do you want a particular 'sound', or are you happy to just hear the music?

indianajo · 05:25 PM

I'm listening this month to a tube ST70 amp with a heavily modified Herald op amp disco mixer as the turntable preamp. I have a PAS2 tube preamp, but the sound is about the same as the modified disco mixer and the PAS2 volume control is stuck. I can leave the ST70 running right through the many lightning stikes we have in the spring, and not worry about it. It has taken a couple of strikes and lost only the power switch or the turnoff pop capacitor. Besides the transistor amps both have problems and one, the Peavey, has 10x as many parts as the ST70. The transistor ST120 has 2X the parts and the add on bias mod boards keep me from poking around in there to find the cold solder joint without making a new mount bracket. Tubes-simple, pure, stupid but lasting design. Nice that tube prices are down from 1980 levels, and I'm not having to support the defense of the border with Comitern, either, like I did in 1982. In 1983 the only 6CA7 tubes were used, or Russian at $25 each unmatched, and the only internet was the CRT in the Ft Riley division headquarters building.

mc352 · 20th April 2011, 11:25 PM

Some folks like to mix SS and Tube. It's all a matter of personal taste I think.
My main setup can be switched from tube pre to solid state amp, or tube amp. for certain music I like Tube and tube, and others I use the solid state amp.

19th April 2011, 04:20 AM	#1
GoesToEleven diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2011	Solid State Pre Amp with Tube Amp - Pointless? Hey all, To preface, I'm new to the audio/analog world... I'm using a NAD P2i preamp with a Rega turntable and I'm building the S-5 Tube amp to complete my analog system. My question is this: Was it pointless to use a solid state pre with a tube amp as my goal was to build up a true analog system as the tube amp is amplifying the output from a solid state pre, or am I just thinking too much? Thoughts everyone??? Thanks in advance!

19th April 2011, 05:23 PM	#3
indianajo diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Jeffersonville, Indiana USA	I'm listening this month to a tube ST70 amp with a heavily modified Herald op amp disco mixer as the turntable preamp. I have a PAS2 tube preamp, but the sound is about the same as the modified disco mixer and the PAS2 volume control is stuck. I can leave the ST70 running right through the many lightning stikes we have in the spring, and not worry about it. It has taken a couple of strikes and lost only the power switch or the turnoff pop capacitor. Besides the transistor amps both have problems and one, the Peavey, has 10x as many parts as the ST70. The transistor ST120 has 2X the parts and the add on bias mod boards keep me from poking around in there to find the cold solder joint without making a new mount bracket. Tubes-simple, pure, stupid but lasting design. Nice that tube prices are down from 1980 levels, and I'm not having to support the defense of the border with Comitern, either, like I did in 1982. In 1983 the only 6CA7 tubes were used, or Russian at $25 each unmatched, and the only internet was the CRT in the Ft Riley division headquarters building. __________________ Dynakit ST70, ST120, PAS2,Hammond H182(2 ea),H112,A100,10-82TC,Peavey CS800S,SP2-XT's, T-300 HF Projs, Steinway console, Herald RA88a mixer, Wurlitzer 4500 Last edited by indianajo; 19th April 2011 at 05:25 PM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tube pre into a solid state	stolenband	Tubes / Valves	4	8th March 2011 07:56 AM
12ax7 pre amp + solid state power amp	engel dela pena	Tubes / Valves	1	9th November 2010 07:33 PM
Solid State Regulator for tube amp	NBBN_amplifiers	Tubes / Valves	49	17th August 2010 06:27 PM
seq. for tube pre and solid-state power	bigpanda	Solid State	2	23rd September 2005 05:17 PM
Foreplay pre with Solid State amp? Really?!	cgguido	Tubes / Valves	1	26th September 2002 07:45 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

19th April 2011, 09:57 AM	#2
DF96 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	Solid-state is analogue too! Do you want a particular 'sound', or are you happy to just hear the music?

20th April 2011, 11:25 PM	#4
mc352 Learning as I go diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: CT	Some folks like to mix SS and Tube. It's all a matter of personal taste I think. My main setup can be switched from tube pre to solid state amp, or tube amp. for certain music I like Tube and tube, and others I use the solid state amp.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)