I had the same thoughts as you a couple of years ago and went from solid state to tubes. I’ve had a couple of newer tube amps but to me many of them sound very much as a solid state amplifier. I’ve had Line magnetic, primaluna evo and Copland. My audio friend lent me a Dynaco Pas 2/Stereo 35 combo. And together with a Klipsch Forte it has unreal musicality! I had very preconceived opinions about older gear but it is really superb. So for me this gives me 1)That warm jazz sound I like 2) A preamp and power amp is better overall than a integrated amp, much more control 3) cheaper alternative and more money for records. Thanks for a very informative channel and good luck with your hifi journey!
@Jake-fw5te4 ай бұрын
I’ve cycled through a ton of vintage equipment and have finally settled on an mx110z tube Mcintosh preamp paired with a Mc2120 solid state power amp. (120wpc). Now THAT is the way to go. Love having the extra power, the tube preamp is really where the “tube” sound and midrange comes from. But honestly great speakers are 95% of the sound quality you hear in your setup.
@SuperMcgenius3 ай бұрын
Yes, a tube preamp with a hi-end solid state is a great way to go. As far as speakers being 95% depends on the speakers, with my Big Vandersteen 5 when I switched to a Yamaha power amp the sound simply collapsed compared to my Aesthetix pre and a 150 watt VTL AMP. MAGENPANs also died with mid fi power amps. All depends on the speakers. 40-50 % to me is the room. Your mileage may vary😊
@SuperMcgenius3 ай бұрын
Some tube amps can do big bass, but it is not cheap. As stated from others here a tube preamp with a really good SS amp is a good way to go.
@Thestereosteve4 ай бұрын
Excited for your journey! I really enjoy learning about system matching and system synergy too! I drove my speakers and cables for an hour and a half to a dealer to audition them with a few integrated amps before I made my purchase. Take your time. Do your homework and audition. I enjoyed your sincere video -we need to keep sharing and learning!
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
Yes, glad you mentioned synergy, so important! I have noticed some people online auditioning the 10 wpc Luxman I mentioned with low-efficiency speakers, that seems like a critical error. And yes, I firmly believe in having *conversations* in these comments sections, opposed to people talking at each other and dictating their own personal truth. Thank you for the kind-spirited comment!
@chrislj28903 ай бұрын
My main system is a Yamaha A-S3200 with Zu Audio DW6 speakers and I'm very pleased with it for vinyl, CDs and cassettes. But in my secondary rig I replaced my old Adcom amp and B&K preamp with a Yamaha A-S301 basically for streaming and recording cassettes. That system has Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 speakers which are awesome little units for the money. I recently bought my first tube amp from Drop that I ran across shopping for headphones. It's a Cayin MT-12N EL84EH integrated amp rated at only 10 wpc. I was worried about it running the 12.0s since they are rated at 85 dB and a minimum of 20 watts, and so I was considering getting some Klipsch speakers. But I soon found out my doubts were unfounded, as the amp works perfectly and the bass is amazing. I am now considering a bigger tube amp for my main system so I can switch between tube and solid state. I wish I hadn't waited so long to give tubes a try.
@dgmono3 ай бұрын
Wow, that is some very valuable input, thank you! I think eventually I will want higher sensitivity speakers than what I currently have, but your comment is giving me the freedom to maybe buy the amp first and then wait a little bit to get the speakers!
@chrislj28903 ай бұрын
@@dgmono Yes, it has happily worked out very well for me. Listening to the Cayin and Wharfedales right now. Have a great week.
@jazzkatt70833 ай бұрын
Tube gear I’ve heard sounded holographic but softer to me than solid state. I enjoy Jazz drum solos on my restored Pioneer SX 1250😊
@imhardforhardbop4 ай бұрын
You’re a wealth of knowledge, Rich! Unfortunately, I am too young and too broke to explore the audiophile world 😂. I’ve always admired your patience, lack of complacency, and pursuit for great playback whether that’s in your gear or your records! I’m excited for you and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
Yes Donovan, the record itself is an extremely important part of the equation. I also firmly believe the cartridge is up there too. To be honest, I always felt amplification was a very neutral part of the signal chain that needs to simply "do its job". But my recent experiences with tube have suggested that, while solid state has always struck me as relatively neutral (nothing wrong with that, let the records and the music do the talking!), I do feel that tube amplification opens up a world of color, texture, and tone. It's not neutral, and it seem that it potentially makes a system that much more customizable. We'll have to see!
@dsonyay3 ай бұрын
Maybe DecWare tube amps? Made in USA, not too expensive, point to point wiring.. rave reviews, lifetime warranty. Can be a long wait though.
@bluebuddha744 ай бұрын
I enjoyed hearing about your discussion into Tubes in this video. I have this small Vincent Audio SV-200 hybrid integrated amp paired with some Klipsch bookshelves that have opened my ears up to a full blown Tube system in the media room I am building. When I saw you post pics of the Heretic AD614 loudspeakers and the Triode Labs amp I was pleasantly surprised and shocked as that is the exact combo I am looking to purchase. Definitely pricey but I'm looking for a warm sound that doesn't have to be bass heavy. It has to feel real and connect me to the music at this point.
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
That Triode Lab amp is simply gorgeous! 😍
@marianochvro3 ай бұрын
What a cool T! Sharing my experience when I decided to buy new modern gear after a couple of decades using silver face amps, I did fall in an anxious hole for awhile. It seems that the vintage gear was designed to add coloration to make Lo-Fi recordings sound as good as they could vs modern equipment being much more neutral since modern music is much better recorded. I spin a lot of alternative indie records and that ruined my listening experience. However, I found after experimenting with components in my chain that you can compensate the lack of tone in the setup. Meaning not only speakers/amp, but all of them. I don’t buy high end gear but I would expect the same effect as long as you are aware that the most relevant components are the ones after the source. If I want to add a bit of rumble in bass I want to make sure my phono preamp does it, otherwise no matter what cartridge I use, the bass may get cut a bit. I was able to add wider soundstage and a bit of treble sparkle to a laidback sounding Sumiko Rainier with an affordable Pluto 2 Phono preamp
@orod5753 ай бұрын
I have the same Wharfedale speakers and run them with a PrimaLuna tube integrated with no problem. I guess it depends on the size of the room and volume levels.
@lorenzbroder41074 ай бұрын
Great video, very concise, I’m going through the same process , have and audiolab 6000 integrated amp Marantz TT15s1 maestro mm cart, turntable built by clear audio, fir Marantz, just purchased a Project Tube box ds2 , phono preamp Hopefully it’ll bring out a tube sound , also running a pair of vintage Klipsch heresy’s 🇨🇦 Regsrds Lorenz Cheaper route than purchasing tube amp at this point Anyway , great video , enjoy the journey ,
@Budgetphile4 ай бұрын
Love the Mac OS Tee! Good luck on your journey. I too have really been thinking hard about switching to tube gear but have settled on a tube preamp for now. Gives me some tubey sound without breaking the bank or changing out my speakers.
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
That's a great idea, I'm considering that as well!
@johnhartley30223 ай бұрын
What is characteristic tube sound? Plumby overly warm? Almost ss like arc? Middle ground like VTL? Which tubes are ya running both pre amp and power section. The shared characteristic of tube gear is the 3d presentation. After that, like anything else in audio, it becomes a matter of taste and system synergy
@dgmono3 ай бұрын
Thank you for your input! Yes, some more experienced audio friends have echoed your sentiment, that the tubes play a key role in the overall sound of a system. I'm looking forward to doing some "tube rolling" myself!
@iampuzzleman2823 ай бұрын
Maybe try biamping, tube amplifier for mids/ Tweeter and solid state for bass. i use an MC 901 amplifier for McIntosh because I wanted to do it, I think it's working out quite well. This was an upgrade from an MC 611 solid state pair of monos which are now collecting dust because I don't wanna get rid of them. Now im the proud parent of 28 tubes.
@mahabkhatib93773 ай бұрын
To enjoy tube system, first you need the right speakers for that type of tube equipment and second, no matter how full range speaker is, you need dual subs voiced in a way to ensure they disappear in the room. Also, it’s essential to have a phono preamp/amp, not just a line stage. I own one of the best solid state system, but I shifted to tube about 3 years ago, upgraded tubes, and when I go back to SS, my backup system, I lose the joy of music experience. I recommend an integrated tube amp as a starter but separate phono. I wish I lived close to Ken so I could visit with him, he’s a wealth of knowledge in jazz, I love his reviews. Thank you for the great video!
@dgmono3 ай бұрын
There is so much to choose from, it can be really daunting! I think I'm all set on matching speakers with lower wattage tube gear, and your comment on the importance of subs makes sense. At some point I think I will start considering separates. ☺
@raoulduke19143 ай бұрын
Big efficient speakers can reproduce plenty of bass from 10 watts of tube power, subs are definitely not a requirement
@mahabkhatib93773 ай бұрын
@@raoulduke1914 Relatively speaking, my full range 90 db Kharma Ceramique 1.0 Limited Edition, full range, voiced with tube gears, such as Lamm and Tenors, back in the day, became much more musical and enjoyable, when I grabbed my dual Goldenear Supersubs from my HT room and added them to my stereo setup. I wished I had done that over 20 yrs ago. My solid state amplifier is YBA 4 chassis signature monoblocks and tube amp is Cary Audio CAD 805AE w/ upgraded tubes. I pair each system w/ the matching preamp. I tried using tube preamp w/ SS amp, but the synergy of the system was lost. My speakers are hard to pair w/ SS system, but even when I tried other speaker such as Focal Alto Utopia, which were voice w/ YBA, they didn’t sound as good as the Cary/Kharma combo, so I sold them. All speakers are 90 db so really the efficiency wasn’t a factor. Yes, I tried a single sub, but the dual subs disappeared better in my room and helped improve the sound tremendously. Of course, this is my personal experience and taste in sound/music.
@jmal53904 ай бұрын
I'd reconsider the Luxman from Japan. You will need a voltage converter and that is less than optimal in an audio application. Also, 10 watts really limits your speaker options. In your price range, you will be limited to a very narrow range of options, and even Klipsch will be better served with more than 10 watts. Another note: more important than the efficiency of the speakers, in terms of the amp's ability to drive them, is the impedance. If you try to drive a 90dB 4ohm speaker with a 10 watt amp, you will be disappointed with the results. Underpowering speakers also poses some risk to the drivers. As the amp works harder to drive the speaker, it produces more signal distortion. This distortion, or clipping, can cause damage to the speaker. If you have a 90dB 16ohm speaker with the same amp, it will be a much better match, though still a bit underpowered imho. Lastly, all the notions about what tube amps deliver in sound or need in a speaker is really dependent on the design. Generalizations simply do not apply. Same with SS. I have low wattage tube amps as well as high wattage. I also have a class A SS amp and it sounds much more tube-like than my high wattage tube setup. My hybrid tube pre/SS power shares some characteristics of all of them. The reality is that all topologies are capable of producing great sound if implemented properly. A note about the soundstage. It is very much dependent on the location of the speakers in the room, as well as the listener's position. Before spending money on a tube setup in hopes of more soundstage depth, try moving the speakers out from the wall. they need to be in the room more than what I can see from the video. Then, play with your position relative to the speakers. Go to extremes. Sit very close for a near field listening experience. Sit further back. Sit on the floor. Just experiment. Imaging and soundstaging are most influenced by setup, not gear. Hope this is of some help.
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
Yes someone earlier pointed out that the AC voltage doesn't match US power outlets, thanks for that.
@raoulduke19144 ай бұрын
cool confession Rich, echoing what many of us are thinking or have thought over the years. I feel tube presentation is somehow closer to the music, something about harmonics I think but I also enjoy my vintage solid state. I wouldnt fear trying vintage tube amps, if they have been properly serviced they are incredibly reliable. Also for speakers have you heard any vintage Tannoys? they are incredible for jazz and pair well with tubes or SS. The bigger the better for natural sounding bass but some stand mounts to look out for would be Eaton, Devon, SRM10, SRM12, LGM10, LGM12 or System 10 or System 12 from the DMT series.
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
It's not so much that I fear vintage, I feel it just takes so much effort 1. learning, 2. choosing, and 3. hunting down serviced stuff in great condition. And if I want to hear stuff before I buy, my options get limited by the radius I'm willing to travel to. I have looked at Tannoys and I will check the other trove of options you suggested. Thanks!
@dungysphincter79743 ай бұрын
After decades of experience with solid state, and tubes. I have found that I prefer tubes into the audio mix. I have also found that class D amplifiers have come a long way. They now rival class A/B amplifiers. I feel that within the next 10yrs class D amplifiers will surpass the best of what class A amplifiers, and class A/B amplifiers can deliver. Class D is very clean, and very efficient. Class D amplifiers are very dynamic. I do like the combination of a nice class D amplifier, and a tube preamplifier/tube buffer. Why can't you have your cake, and eat it too?
@dsonyay3 ай бұрын
And yeah… very high sensitivity- Klipsch, Zu Audio, etc. my Zu speakers are about 99db and no crossovers (just a capacitor). When I decide to buy a tube amp.. the Zu speakers should work well- rven with 3 to 5 wpc flea amps
@willhouse3 ай бұрын
Tonal variance between tube & solid-state amplifiers has less to do with whether or not there are tubes, & a whole lot more to do with the basic design of the circuit: which capacitors/resistors/transformers/etc are used, & how they're all arranged to affect the signal.
@GrindCityGuitars4 ай бұрын
You may want to look at a nice tube phono stage or preamp to pair with your solid state amp. It really can be the best of both worlds.
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
That's a great idea, I will consider it!
@bdmcn4 ай бұрын
I’ve owned those Omega SAMs and used a 6 watt integrated by Analog Ethos. Small-medium living room. It was a wonderful combo, BUT I will admit, the one reason I upgraded was because of the speaker footprint. See, the best stands for them are by Skylan, and they kind of dominated by living room after pulling them out from front wall. Anyway, Omegas are great speakers. Recommended.
@dgmono3 ай бұрын
I checked out those Analog Ethos amps, they are gorgeous! Also, I've been meaning to ask someone about stands to pair with the SAMs. Can you point out the specific Skylan stands, are they the 4P 18s?
@bdmcn3 ай бұрын
@@dgmono Indeed. Four-post, 18 or 20”) whichever height works best with ear level. I used after-market, cheap, carbon-fiber discs under the spikes. Also bought the eight small tabs to go between stand and speakers ($75).
@bdmcn3 ай бұрын
@@dgmonoAnd Perry at AE hand builds his amps with precision and care. He made me a custom version of his EL-34, with larger transformers and Jupiter caps. I used Sophia Electric power tubes and a GEC Mullard small tube. Wonderful amp, especially if your speakers are around 93dB sensitivity or higher.
@austinlibby70254 ай бұрын
Before you purchase go listen to a rogue they have two that are affordable that are high line. I am highly recommended that I think you should look at and they’re affordable and they’re all handmade here in Philadelphia rogue that’s it.
@EddyTeetree4 ай бұрын
Well I’m more spurt than expert but what Ive learned is: A rise of 3db is perceived by human hearing as a doubling of the previous sound level. Therefore a 10w pc amp with 85db w/m will give you plenty of volume in an average room (esp. considering sound > 85db can be harmful) and bass reproduction is as much or more influenced by the room than by the speakers. The story about how the amp /driver relationship was developed seems about face. What I believe really happened was with SS manufacturers could increase profits by selling very hi watt amps with less expensive to make low sens. drivers. In fact it’s cost cutting for profit that drives innovation in consumer orientated goods and they let advertising propaganda take care of the buyers perception. I can't understand your fear of vintage tho. At present I use vac valve gear and speakers from the 1950’s without any concerns and its gear that would probably be prohibitively expensive if manufactured today, from the golden age where the market was limited so products had to be of a very high standard to survive and were made with pride to last a lifetime or in practice many lifetimes :-) Good video well presented thanks.
@carljung92303 ай бұрын
that is a gray market luxman and will not have a warranty in the US.
@dgmono3 ай бұрын
Thanks for pointing that out, a couple people also did down thread. I found a mint one on US Audio Mart for a great price!
@paulcosta74364 ай бұрын
You have to be aware of the voltage difference if you're looking to buy from Japan
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
Ah yes, thank you so much for pointing that out!
@philipw70583 ай бұрын
My opinion is the difference matters solid state is the only way I will ever go,maintenance alone is one of the reasons,and you will never get the dynamic range and power that brings out inner details at low volumes,if you want to mix a tube preamp with a solid state amp might be the way to go,but power solid state is the only way,near field listening with small speakers you can go tubes when volume is not a concern but if you want a real live performance absolute sound solid state is your only option
@dgmono3 ай бұрын
Great input! Several folks here have suggested your combination, and I think it makes perfect sense. It seems like you can get both the character of tubes and also the bottom end weight of solid state that way. I will definitely consider down the road, I'm sure at some point I will start looking into separates. ☺
@tonyedwards30864 ай бұрын
Just curious, have you ever been to SkyFi audio?
@dgmono4 ай бұрын
No, but I just looked them up, I see that they're in Jersey. Maybe I could audition the Heresys there 😊
@tonyedwards30864 ай бұрын
I live in NC and I’m not affiliated in any way. He seems pretty knowledgeable and gets a lot of interesting stuff in (from what I’ve seen on their KZfaq channel).