One Tube Sound Better Than Four?

Homl · 21st February 2011, 07:33 AM

I just finished building a 4 tube Aikido pre-amp for my T-amp and chip amp. Its performance is underwhelming compare to a simple one tube plate follower. The one tube amp sound more dynamic and has better imaging. Both amps uses the same 12AU7 tubes, and I used premium parts with the Aikido.

What are your experiences with tube pre-amps? Is the simpler the better?

studiostevus · 21st February 2011, 07:43 AM

Give it some time to burn in...

wwenze · 21st February 2011, 07:55 AM

Which one sounds closer to not having a tube preamp at all?

mastodon · 21st February 2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwenze

Which one sounds closer to not having a tube preamp at all?

Exactly. My guess is that the Aikido simply outperforms the one-tube amp and that it just doesn't seem the be there; it's probably more or less fully transparent.

DF96 · 21st February 2011, 10:13 AM

My hunch too. If you can hear it, then it is an effects box not a line stage. Some people prefer effects boxes, but then call them line stages.

quikie22 · 21st February 2011, 10:58 AM

I suspect your single tube amp is producing tons of 2nd harmonic, giving the impression of a "richer" sound.

The Aikido is pretty much transparent, which kind of gives a "lean" sound on certain systems (like when using it on my very neutral Pass Design amp.)

316a · 21st February 2011, 11:39 AM

I personally find the Aikido pointless , no matter how elegant the design is and whatever the blurb on the website says . Also : Who on earth needs the gain of a 6SN7/12AU7/5687 etc Aikido ?

316A

DF96 · 21st February 2011, 11:58 AM

Yes, most line stages are pointless, unless you either have very long cables or prefer an effects box.

pauldune · 21st February 2011, 06:34 PM

Imaging and dynamics are not related to 2nd harmonics. 2nd harmonics make the sound smoother or "warmer". So maybe the simple plate follower has some advantages, probably related to its simplicity.
But... the only thing that really counts is: If YOU like it more then the aikido, by all means use it.

Paul.

GoranB · 21st February 2011, 06:54 PM

I agree with Pauldine about imaging and dynamics are not related with 2nd harmonics.
I have tube preamp (2 tubes) first forking like a gain stage and second like power follower-lowering impedance. Adding more tubes doesnt make sence. If you are satisfied with sound of only one tube then use it. I have same experience, adding more tubes kills the sound.

21st February 2011, 07:33 AM	#1
Homl diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003	One Tube Sound Better Than Four? I just finished building a 4 tube Aikido pre-amp for my T-amp and chip amp. Its performance is underwhelming compare to a simple one tube plate follower. The one tube amp sound more dynamic and has better imaging. Both amps uses the same 12AU7 tubes, and I used premium parts with the Aikido. What are your experiences with tube pre-amps? Is the simpler the better?

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
What tube config will get this sound?	Pckid212	Tubes / Valves	16	1st February 2010 02:54 AM
Adjectives for tube sound!	Richard Ellis	Tubes / Valves	6	8th October 2007 07:28 AM
Is it possible to get "tube sound" with just a tube preamp and chipamp output?	Spasticteapot	Instruments and Amps	43	15th May 2006 05:28 PM
Tube surround sound	txtubenoob	Tubes / Valves	17	17th September 2005 12:50 PM
I wonder how this tube will sound...	DaveInVA	Tubes / Valves	5	16th May 2003 10:48 PM

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

21st February 2011, 07:43 AM	#2
studiostevus diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The Hague	Give it some time to burn in...

21st February 2011, 07:55 AM	#3
wwenze diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2008	Which one sounds closer to not having a tube preamp at all?

21st February 2011, 10:13 AM	#5
DF96 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	My hunch too. If you can hear it, then it is an effects box not a line stage. Some people prefer effects boxes, but then call them line stages.

21st February 2011, 10:58 AM	#6
quikie22 diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2009	I suspect your single tube amp is producing tons of 2nd harmonic, giving the impression of a "richer" sound. The Aikido is pretty much transparent, which kind of gives a "lean" sound on certain systems (like when using it on my very neutral Pass Design amp.)

21st February 2011, 11:39 AM	#7
316a diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: West London	I personally find the Aikido pointless , no matter how elegant the design is and whatever the blurb on the website says . Also : Who on earth needs the gain of a 6SN7/12AU7/5687 etc Aikido ? 316A

21st February 2011, 11:58 AM	#8
DF96 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	Yes, most line stages are pointless, unless you either have very long cables or prefer an effects box.

21st February 2011, 06:34 PM	#9
pauldune diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Netherlands	Imaging and dynamics are not related to 2nd harmonics. 2nd harmonics make the sound smoother or "warmer". So maybe the simple plate follower has some advantages, probably related to its simplicity. But... the only thing that really counts is: If YOU like it more then the aikido, by all means use it. Paul.

21st February 2011, 06:54 PM	#10
GoranB diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Poland	I agree with Pauldine about imaging and dynamics are not related with 2nd harmonics. I have tube preamp (2 tubes) first forking like a gain stage and second like power follower-lowering impedance. Adding more tubes doesnt make sence. If you are satisfied with sound of only one tube then use it. I have same experience, adding more tubes kills the sound.

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