As a long-time Cary SLP98P user I can attest to the body and richness this piece of gear brings to the sound. Thanks for this review Steve. Very well done.
This is one of my absolute favorite preamps ever. I was loaned one for a few months a while back, and it truly is an amazing piece. It’s built like a tank, and the phono section sounds excellent. And, yup! The knobs feel sexy as hell. Tube rolling almost seems extra noticeable with this pre, IMO. Great vid, Steve! Loved it. ✌️🎶🙂🔊
does pairing it up with a solid state power amp make any sense ? just curious what something like this or any good tube pre amp would be like if paired with my denon poa-2800 for example... good way to get the best of both worlds ? or not worth the bother unless you go all in with a tube power amp too?
@@jessielees Pairing a SS power amp and a tube preamp does exactly what you mentioned, in that it’s a good way to get the best of both worlds, and it’s a somewhat common practice. It also comes down to achieving the best synergy possible throughout your entire system too, which can take a good amount of experimenting and time. When pairing the two together, the general rule is that the input impedance of the SS power amp is at least 10x the amount of the output impedance of the preamp. There’s more to it but that’s the basics, and you should be able to use a tube based preamp with your SS Denon amp if you follow that simple rule. Paul at PS Audio has done a few very helpful videos on the subject, which explain how to match the two. Here’s a link to one of them: ua-cam.com/video/5cqK41mJ_7M/v-deo.html I hope that helps you out a bit. All the best to you! ✌️🎶🙂🔊 P.S. I’m sure that if someone else reads this, they may have more to add regarding the subject of matching amps and preamps, but more importantly matching all of the components in your system to achieve the best synergy possible between them. You also need to make sure your power amp matches well with your speakers too, in that the amp can properly drive the speakers, which you most likely already know. 👍
@@jessielees Btw, I’m running a Schiit Freya + going balanced into a Parasound A23+ amp (tube pre into SS) into a pair of Tekton Pendragons, and it sounds glorious to me. My source is a KAB modded and upgraded Technics SL1200 Mk5 turntable into a Tavish phono pre (tube based). What are you running with that Denon, which looks really nice, btw?
What you said about the differences between your PASS XP--30 and the Cary preamp is very similar to my experience with my PASS XP-22 and my former Audible Illusions Modulus 3B. If I could combine the positive characteristics that I love about each of these fabulous preamps I would be one very happy guy.
Go and listen to those who have a good system with tube amps.......bring your own beloved music and also some you think they are problematic....Judge for yourself.....tube loving people often also love good wine....
i cant wait till my preamplifier arrives Last year i bought a Denon PoaT2 and id never loved a sound so much (controlled vol by having the input vol low) no pre i was lucky to find the Denon Avp A1 which is a perfect match just waiting now
Thanks for sharing your love for the music. I loved the Cuckoo Song in Cosmo Sheldrake's album you spoke about recently. What a surprise, what a beautiful surprise.
Love my Cary "Sweet Little Preamp" SLP-98. With the upgraded caps and really good vintage or high-end boutique 6SN7 tubes, it's quite nice. I've used mine with various classA tube and solid state amps, with favorable results. PASS: speaking of "Pass" amps, chatted with Nelson a while back he noted several customers using the SLP-98 paired up with various Pass amps. A keeper for sure.
Hi D.E. Cooney; Jeff in Atlanta- I gave up my XP30; XP22 and used my SLP98 with First Watt F4, SIT-3, XA-25, until I got frustrated with remotes and tried a MicroZotl Pre and fell towards that. SLP-98 is a bargain at $2000 used market and I think the 6SN7’s which I still use in my MicroZotl are a key ingredient.
I couldn’t stop trying to figure out what your shirt says haha took me a few seconds and a few tries but I figured it out and I really like it and agree with what it says and like how clever it is
I think part of what you're reacting to aside from the tube richness is the tipped up gain at 20dB. Hence what you described as "fast" with White Stripes and volume that moved up too quickly. There is a euphonic nature to high gain and tubes but after a while the lack of detail and the overdose of lushness can get fatiguing and make you crave neutrality, more space between instruments, and higher resolution. Ultimately that's why I moved from the SLP-98 to a VAC linestage. But it's a fun linestage and probably best paired with a SS amp.
Steve, I have the latest version of the line stage and I prefer the older iteration with the larger knobs, etc. It is very quiet for a tubed preamp and I've coupled it with tube and Class D amps. I won't buy a pre unless it has a balance control and the Cary has separate controls for both channels which I think is a great feature. It would be nice to have led's to highlight the different stages and the volume pot but that may degrade the sound. It's just a little hard to see for an old geezer. I think your comments re the differences sonically between tube and solid state are spot on.
Hmmm, can't believe you didn't like the vintage Sylvania's. In my (very early) SLP-98P (with MM phono and the Jensen transformers), I originally tried Sylvania chrome domes from the mid-50's. Much better than the bad Chinese tubes that it came with, but what really got it going were a pair of 1952 Sylvania "Bad Boys" (hate that name). They are the ones with the getter on the bottom and three hole plates. It rocks! I went with some NOS Siemens 12ax7 and GE 5814's for the phono tubes. I'll have to try some Telefunkens. Nice review.
Yeah, I am a tube guy. Been solid state for years before I changed to the valves of utter musical beauty. However, Steve's comparison of valves vs solid state was not an accurate one IMO. Yes, solid state is more towards the reproductive sounds of live performances, but tubes create a sense of warmth and holographical presence that live performances create. This is why hybrids are are getting more attention these days. My system is pure tube. From the transport (CD) to the pre/pro, everything is tubes. It is highly revealing. Solid state tends to be very neutral. Lack of coloration is not something I care for.
Steve... I was wondering in the years that you've been posting on UA-cam did you ever bring up the topic that perhaps the euphonic colorations in tube electronics sound somewhat more musical because many acoustic instruments emit the same or similar colorations.
Thanks for all the great content, Steve! Any thoughts on deciding between the Zu Dirty Weekend and the Wharfedale Linton? I listen to rock, mostly from the 90s, some 70s, and some electronic music too. Streamed via tidal, I'm planning on getting a Arylic A50 for power. Thanks!
It’s great to see this review, I think the Cary is a classic, I too sold mine almost 20 years ago. But have stayed tubed. I have an Allen Wright design. FVP5, And lust after his RTP too. its level of detail /resolution is in matched in my experience tube or ss. I haven’t heard the pass preamp, It has 6 6922 tubes and a shunted regulated power supply. It isn’t tuby at all. It’s been awhile since I’ve looked since I am so happy with this one but I am sure there are tube based preamps that’ll knock your socks off on your own terms if you are a solid state fan. For me it’s not an either/ or decision. The tube revival of the 90’s was great the 98’ and Cary in general was a part of something that changed audio for the better . I really like the Wright designs but suspect now, -20!years later even they have been superseded. A half dozen way overpriced small signal NOS tubes are still a lot cheaper than an average priced MC cartridge. A well thought out and probably not too expensive tube or hybrid preamp is a really special thing even today.
Hi Steve - thanks for that very clear description. Have you tried LTA kit? Would love to hear your thoughts on their pre and power amps. Greetings to one and all
Get what you are saying about the fullnes of the Cary and valve components in general. Not sure I would go so far as call tube gear from MicIntosh, Audio Research and Zesto (With the stock compliment of tubes.) colored. The target goal of these fine offerings, always struck me as leaning far more towards musical accuracy than lushness. To the point where they could easily be mistake for a well executed, Class A - Solid-State component.
A good question, I love both. For most, I think well-engineered SS components are the way to go. Nonetheless, of the preamps I auditioned for my two-channel rig (BAT VK 42se vs 32se) I found I preferred the midrange and vocals out of the tube centered 32se. It is the same with McIntosh SS vs Tube preamps. However, I do not wish to rabbit trail onto the SS versus Tube debate. The comment was to point out that not all Tube preamps and amplifiers have that same velvet lushness in the midrange that is historically associated with tube gear. While still musical, I found that the ARC, Mac, and Zesto components tend to lean towards accuracy over sweetness. To my ear they sound very different from the Cary and should be auditioned first, before assuming it is going to have that coveted “Tubey” sound. You bring up a good point. If you have an interest in gear from these three forementioned brands. One should audition a Preamp from the likes of Pass Labs, Mark Levinson, Pathos, you name it. If you land on something you like equally well. You just saved yourself the hassle and expense of retubing. Not a frequent thing on Preamps but on big tube Mono-Blocks be ready to factor in the expense and if no autobias, adjusting it.
Steve, what would you recommend in a preamp coupled with a Decware Zen Triode UFO84? Or any others on the forum. Solid state or tubes that would not break the bank. Thanks in advance.
Teddy: I have used a vintage, upgraded Dynaco PAS-3X with the Zen. It provided welcome gain but I don’t think my current tube complement was the best it could be. The Zen is (as you probably know and from Steve’s review) accurate and transparent, though not clinical like some solid state amps can be. I think a *good* tube preamp can be a good match, but there’s always synergy and taste to consider, as well as budget as you mentioned. The reason I liked the gain provided by the Dyna was that my speakers haave about 90db sensitivity. The setup is in a small room, so I’m not lacking for loudness level, but the extra *headroom* provided by the preamp’s gain was welcome. Once I get some new/different tubes for the Dyna I’m going to reinsert it into the system and see what I think. Of course, a preamp usually provides you with more input sources should you need more othan the two that the Zen offers. Note: I use a Tavish phono stage for LPs, so haven’t really evaluated the upgraded phono section in the Dyna yet. If you need a preamp that includes phono stage, then of course your options are more limited and more costly, whether solid state or tube. The Zen is such a good little amp that finding a good preamp within a limited budget can be a challenge. If all you need is more volume, then shopping for much more efficient speakers might be something to consider. Cheers and good luck.
Teddy, I don't know how much it takes to break your bank, but Audio by Van Alstine has three preamps, both tubed and SS for under a $1000. Schiit's Freya offers both tubed and SS output or tubed in the Saga pre.
@@edwardbalboa5528 The only tube on my 2 channel I'd consider is ARC and really I don't want to spend $10K+ for one of their proper amps. I'm very happy with Hegel SS pushing my maggies along with my r2r dac. I've tried multiple tube amps in my headphone rig and hated every one of them. Viva Egoista 845 or Wa 33 would be great but don't have that kind of cash to burn.
"Musical Truth" Love that one, Steve! Back in the 80s I saw OMD play live OMG they were awful... The singer could not stay in key. That's what I understood the value of overproduced recordings. I still have some of their vinyl. They sound better than live on any equipment :-)
The thing about tubes is you can change the sound which is both a blessing and a curse. It's more of a curse if you don't like to experiment. What I've been doing lately is converting vinyl to CD via my tube preamp with the really nice Mullard 12AX7 in the phono section. They sound so sweet when played back on the SS system like a cherry on top
Tubes offer full linear drive over the varying drive unit impedances.... Transistors can't do that and thus you see people talking about system matching .....
Yes some tube gear is not as neutral....but correctly designed vacuum tube amplifiers are NOT necessary adding artificial warmth , dept or bloom...so are some well designed transistor amplifiers.. Semiconductors lack to often in some and perhaps many cases these qualities which are discustted and attributed to tube gear............audiophiles , they have the tendency to inverse the errors ....... And YES there are good transistor amplifiers..they lean closer to what good tube amplifiers do and Yes there are BAD tube amplifiers ....... But mostly today they praise the lack off some qualities as being the faults of the other technologie..... SO perfect sound , clean, transparent and no measurable static test bench distortion but lacking some of the qualities of good music emotional reproduction. Good amplifiers whatever the technolgie used do connect you to the musical experience and the beauty of it, they are able to let you forget the technologie which is used... All these pros and contras are idiophile masturbation..instead of believin and enjoyingg what your ears and your soul are experiencing..
At least when one rekindles a relationship with a previously loved item of gear there isn’t the prospect of a potentially very expensive and messy divorce. The expressions of pleasure that come across Steve’s face makes me wonder I what he’d be like if he was describing a female encounter.
I have years of experience repairing and building hi fi amps, I cut my teeth on valve electronics and I can honestly say that in all those years I never noticed any real difference in audio quality betwen different brands of valves. Sure, some brands lasted longer than others and typically NOS vintage valves by reputable valve manufacturers such as Mullard, Telefunken etc... were higher quality in their overall build quality. There was no discernable difference in audio quality, not to my ears anyway. When it comes to solid state rectification vs valve IMO the only benefit to having a valve rectifier is in guitar amps whereby the sag on the H.T created by drawing a current through a valve rectifier creates a pleasing to the ear sustain. For hi fi amps that isn't a desirable quality at all and if inclined to use valves as hi fi amplifiers the use of solid state rectifiers is IMO of very real benefit.
Man, I couldn't disagree more. No offence, but, you sound more like a sceptical person whom refuses to try tubes, a bit like these folk that say all cables, sound the same.
As a long-time Cary SLP98P user I can attest to the body and richness this piece of gear brings to the sound. Thanks for this review Steve. Very well done.
So here I am! 14.000 kms away, Argentina, end of the world. Thanks a lot!
Don’t feel so bad now here in Colombia. But don’t imagine Argentina is quite the audiophile wasteland as here.
Intelligence is the Ability to Adapt to Change. I love that shirt. Need to get that shirt for my wife.
Thought i was the first one to decode it...
I have a 2002 SLI-80 Cary integrated. The knobs are wonderful. The sound is wonderful too.
This is one of my absolute favorite preamps ever. I was loaned one for a few months a while back, and it truly is an amazing piece. It’s built like a tank, and the phono section sounds excellent. And, yup! The knobs feel sexy as hell. Tube rolling almost seems extra noticeable with this pre, IMO. Great vid, Steve! Loved it. ✌️🎶🙂🔊
does pairing it up with a solid state power amp make any sense ? just curious what something like this or any good tube pre amp would be like if paired with my denon poa-2800 for example... good way to get the best of both worlds ? or not worth the bother unless you go all in with a tube power amp too?
@@jessielees Some people think a tube preamp with high quality solid state amp is the best of both worlds.
@@jessielees Pairing a SS power amp and a tube preamp does exactly what you mentioned, in that it’s a good way to get the best of both worlds, and it’s a somewhat common practice. It also comes down to achieving the best synergy possible throughout your entire system too, which can take a good amount of experimenting and time. When pairing the two together, the general rule is that the input impedance of the SS power amp is at least 10x the amount of the output impedance of the preamp. There’s more to it but that’s the basics, and you should be able to use a tube based preamp with your SS Denon amp if you follow that simple rule. Paul at PS Audio has done a few very helpful videos on the subject, which explain how to match the two. Here’s a link to one of them: ua-cam.com/video/5cqK41mJ_7M/v-deo.html
I hope that helps you out a bit. All the best to you! ✌️🎶🙂🔊
P.S. I’m sure that if someone else reads this, they may have more to add regarding the subject of matching amps and preamps, but more importantly matching all of the components in your system to achieve the best synergy possible between them. You also need to make sure your power amp matches well with your speakers too, in that the amp can properly drive the speakers, which you most likely already know. 👍
@@jessielees I have an SLP-98p paired with a Cary SA200.2 solid state amp and love it.
@@jessielees
Btw, I’m running a Schiit Freya + going balanced into a Parasound A23+ amp (tube pre into SS) into a pair of Tekton Pendragons, and it sounds glorious to me. My source is a KAB modded and upgraded Technics SL1200 Mk5 turntable into a Tavish phono pre (tube based).
What are you running with that Denon, which looks really nice, btw?
What you said about the differences between your PASS XP--30 and the Cary preamp is very similar to my experience with my PASS XP-22 and my former Audible Illusions Modulus 3B. If I could combine the positive characteristics that I love about each of these fabulous preamps I would be one very happy guy.
It's always a bit awkward when the wife catches you feeling the knobs...
Knob twiddlin’.
I immediately denied denied denied. In my case now ex-wife.
I have yet to actually really listen to any tube gear but the more you talk about it the more I want to try it out. Love the shirt! 😁. still adapting!
Go and listen to those who have a good system with tube amps.......bring your own beloved music and also some you think they are problematic....Judge for yourself.....tube loving people often also love good wine....
Great video Steve. I live in Raleigh and know about this company. When I learned about them and heard the gear, I was floored Cary actually meant NC.
Cool story. 😎
Wassup Steve! Winston Salem here. Gonna check these out.
How bout that! 😎👍
The tubed Dynaco PAS-3 performed beautifully, too!
i cant wait till my preamplifier arrives Last year i bought a Denon PoaT2 and id never loved a sound so much (controlled vol by having the input vol low) no pre i was lucky to find the Denon Avp A1 which is a perfect match just waiting now
I’ve been running the SLP98 with the Cary SA200.2 solid state amp for about 5 years and love the combination.
Thanks for sharing your love for the music. I loved the Cuckoo Song in Cosmo Sheldrake's album you spoke about recently. What a surprise, what a beautiful surprise.
Love that you review so many tube amps !!!!!!!! And Cary builds very nice tube amps and their dam reliable espically for tubes !
Love my Cary "Sweet Little Preamp" SLP-98. With the upgraded caps and really good vintage or high-end boutique 6SN7 tubes, it's quite nice. I've used mine with various classA tube and solid state amps, with favorable results.
PASS: speaking of "Pass" amps, chatted with Nelson a while back he noted several customers using the SLP-98 paired up with various Pass amps. A keeper for sure.
Hi D.E. Cooney; Jeff in Atlanta- I gave up my XP30; XP22 and used my SLP98 with First Watt F4, SIT-3, XA-25, until I got frustrated with remotes and tried a MicroZotl Pre and fell towards that. SLP-98 is a bargain at $2000 used market and I think the 6SN7’s which I still use in my MicroZotl are a key ingredient.
@@haasmail1 what did you prefer over the LTA?
I have that duke Ellington album on CD I think it is fabulous. I love your music reviews.
Great Steve I have the one up the cary spl-05 love it.
I have one , for me the best
Damn, I live in the Raleigh, Cary area and didn't know this! Thanks Stevo
Yes to tube rolling. I have a Aesthetix cylipso, when I put in ampex and Telefunken tube it brought the pre amp to a very high level.
All tubes are not equal even if the numbers say so.
There is a reward, having tubes in the signal path.
I liked it! I subscribed, moons ago. Thanks for the review.
Nice t-shirt!
LOL you beat me to it!!
indeed or should I say 1nd33d ;-)
Should have played "The Tubes: She's a beauty" for this review👍. Very good, as always, Steve!
One in a million.
Tube pre, SS power..... killer combo.
I couldn’t stop trying to figure out what your shirt says haha took me a few seconds and a few tries but I figured it out and I really like it and agree with what it says and like how clever it is
Still use the Cary CAD 280 V12i ... just during the winter months though ,
helps warm-up the whole house...😏😂
I think part of what you're reacting to aside from the tube richness is the tipped up gain at 20dB. Hence what you described as "fast" with White Stripes and volume that moved up too quickly. There is a euphonic nature to high gain and tubes but after a while the lack of detail and the overdose of lushness can get fatiguing and make you crave neutrality, more space between instruments, and higher resolution. Ultimately that's why I moved from the SLP-98 to a VAC linestage. But it's a fun linestage and probably best paired with a SS amp.
Steve,you are top !
Good morning Steven, you should try the Nagra line. It will present the features that you are looking for, from tubes and solid state.
Right on Steve
Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. Cool. Please list albums used. Thanks
Showing us you caught that? :)
Sorry Steve just looking for a Chinese tube amp preferably a class A mode 25 watts per channel. Love this review
Great nostalgic look at this nice preamp Steve, but the Sinatra/Ellington album label is “Reprise” ;-)
next time, even better: “Great nostalgic look at this nice preamp Steve, thank you! Btw the Sinatra/Ellington album label is “Reprise” ;-) “
Steve, I have the latest version of the line stage and I prefer the older iteration with the larger knobs, etc. It is very quiet for a tubed preamp and I've coupled it with tube and Class D amps. I won't buy a pre unless it has a balance control and the Cary has separate controls for both channels which I think is a great feature. It would be nice to have led's to highlight the different stages and the volume pot but that may degrade the sound. It's just a little hard to see for an old geezer. I think your comments re the differences sonically between tube and solid state are spot on.
Hmmm, can't believe you didn't like the vintage Sylvania's. In my (very early) SLP-98P (with MM phono and the Jensen transformers), I originally tried Sylvania chrome domes from the mid-50's. Much better than the bad Chinese tubes that it came with, but what really got it going were a pair of 1952 Sylvania "Bad Boys" (hate that name). They are the ones with the getter on the bottom and three hole plates. It rocks! I went with some NOS Siemens 12ax7 and GE 5814's for the phono tubes. I'll have to try some Telefunkens. Nice review.
Solidly solid state 😆
Yeah, I am a tube guy. Been solid state for years before I changed to the valves of utter musical beauty. However, Steve's comparison of valves vs solid state was not an accurate one IMO. Yes, solid state is more towards the reproductive sounds of live performances, but tubes create a sense of warmth and holographical presence that live performances create. This is why hybrids are are getting more attention these days. My system is pure tube. From the transport (CD) to the pre/pro, everything is tubes. It is highly revealing. Solid state tends to be very neutral. Lack of coloration is not something I care for.
How does Throbbing Gristle sound on it?
Ahh...the sweet dulcet tones of TG
Steve... I was wondering in the years that you've been posting on UA-cam did you ever bring up the topic that perhaps the euphonic colorations in tube electronics sound somewhat more musical because many acoustic instruments emit the same or similar colorations.
Steve, so why did you stay away from tube amps for so many years?
Remember what he said about his Pass Labs preamp?
That's why (or at least, part of why). : )
That's a great t shirt
Forgetting the few modern features how would it compare to older tubed preamps of equal price range?
I’d like to know that as well
Most people’s speakers aren’t good enough for Cary stuff. Hook that thing up to a tube amp and some Apogees and it will blow you away.
Thanks for all the great content, Steve! Any thoughts on deciding between the Zu Dirty Weekend and the Wharfedale Linton? I listen to rock, mostly from the 90s, some 70s, and some electronic music too. Streamed via tidal, I'm planning on getting a Arylic A50 for power. Thanks!
It’s great to see this review, I think the Cary is a classic, I too sold mine almost 20 years ago. But have stayed tubed. I have an Allen Wright design. FVP5, And lust after his RTP too. its level of detail /resolution is in matched in my experience tube or ss. I haven’t heard the pass preamp, It has 6 6922 tubes and a shunted regulated power supply. It isn’t tuby at all. It’s been awhile since I’ve looked since I am so happy with this one but I am sure there are tube based preamps that’ll knock your socks off on your own terms if you are a solid state fan. For me it’s not an either/ or decision. The tube revival of the 90’s was great the 98’ and Cary in general was a part of something that changed audio for the better . I really like the Wright designs but suspect now, -20!years later even they have been superseded.
A half dozen way overpriced small signal NOS tubes are still a lot cheaper than an average priced MC cartridge. A well thought out and probably not too expensive tube or hybrid preamp is a really special thing even today.
Yep, I'm "buying Two, They're Small ! " ;-)
Hi Steve, which preamp did you like more, the PL evo100 or the SLP-98? Would really appreciate an answer. Thank you!
Thanks for the comparison to the Pass Labs preamp. Takes some of the suspense away from why you decided to give up tubes for good.
Steve, Who refurbs Threshold s200 amps? Thanks, Luv the videos.
Tubes just add that little bit more of an relaxed effortless life to the music ... not for everyone ... just a thought
Hi Steve - thanks for that very clear description. Have you tried LTA kit? Would love to hear your thoughts on their pre and power amps. Greetings to one and all
Well, I reviewed a few, please google my name and linear tube audio
Get what you are saying about the fullnes of the Cary and valve components in general. Not sure I would go so far as call tube gear from MicIntosh, Audio Research and Zesto (With the stock compliment of tubes.) colored. The target goal of these fine offerings, always struck me as leaning far more towards musical accuracy than lushness. To the point where they could easily be mistake for a well executed, Class A - Solid-State component.
Then why buy tube components, sold state is easier to live with.
A good question, I love both. For most, I think well-engineered SS components are the way to go. Nonetheless, of the preamps I auditioned for my two-channel rig (BAT VK 42se vs 32se) I found I preferred the midrange and vocals out of the tube centered 32se. It is the same with McIntosh SS vs Tube preamps. However, I do not wish to rabbit trail onto the SS versus Tube debate. The comment was to point out that not all Tube preamps and amplifiers have that same velvet lushness in the midrange that is historically associated with tube gear. While still musical, I found that the ARC, Mac, and Zesto components tend to lean towards accuracy over sweetness. To my ear they sound very different from the Cary and should be auditioned first, before assuming it is going to have that coveted “Tubey” sound.
You bring up a good point. If you have an interest in gear from these three forementioned brands. One should audition a Preamp from the likes of Pass Labs, Mark Levinson, Pathos, you name it. If you land on something you like equally well. You just saved yourself the hassle and expense of retubing. Not a frequent thing on Preamps but on big tube Mono-Blocks be ready to factor in the expense and if no autobias, adjusting it.
Great shirt. What’s the Album of Brazilian music? Can’t read it on my screen.
More viewers from outside the USA than within eh Steve? Looks like you'll be making more of an effort with metric weights and measures then huh? :)
Steve, what would you recommend in a preamp coupled with a Decware Zen Triode UFO84? Or any others on the forum. Solid state or tubes that would not break the bank. Thanks in advance.
Teddy: I have used a vintage, upgraded Dynaco PAS-3X with the Zen. It provided welcome gain but I don’t think my current tube complement was the best it could be. The Zen is (as you probably know and from Steve’s review) accurate and transparent, though not clinical like some solid state amps can be. I think a *good* tube preamp can be a good match, but there’s always synergy and taste to consider, as well as budget as you mentioned.
The reason I liked the gain provided by the Dyna was that my speakers haave about 90db sensitivity. The setup is in a small room, so I’m not lacking for loudness level, but the extra *headroom* provided by the preamp’s gain was welcome. Once I get some new/different tubes for the Dyna I’m going to reinsert it into the system and see what I think.
Of course, a preamp usually provides you with more input sources should you need more othan the two that the Zen offers. Note: I use a Tavish phono stage for LPs, so haven’t really evaluated the upgraded phono section in the Dyna yet. If you need a preamp that includes phono stage, then of course your options are more limited and more costly, whether solid state or tube.
The Zen is such a good little amp that finding a good preamp within a limited budget can be a challenge. If all you need is more volume, then shopping for much more efficient speakers might be something to consider.
Cheers and good luck.
Teddy, I don't know how much it takes to break your bank, but Audio by Van Alstine has three preamps, both tubed and SS for under a $1000. Schiit's Freya offers both tubed and SS output or tubed in the Saga pre.
Nice Shirt.
100% I'm a solid state guy over tubes all day every day.
Valves are superior in every way
@@edwardbalboa5528 The only tube on my 2 channel I'd consider is ARC and really I don't want to spend $10K+ for one of their proper amps. I'm very happy with Hegel SS pushing my maggies along with my r2r dac. I've tried multiple tube amps in my headphone rig and hated every one of them. Viva Egoista 845 or Wa 33 would be great but don't have that kind of cash to burn.
I have First Watt and Pass amps, but I miss tube Jadis quite a lot..
Does he make a balanced version of this?
I would like to know did run the preamp through the Firstwatt or Decware?
I no longer have the Decware, passed on to another reviewer. It was First Watts J2, F7, and SIT 3
"Musical Truth"
Love that one, Steve!
Back in the 80s I saw OMD play live OMG they were awful... The singer could not stay in key. That's what I understood the value of overproduced recordings. I still have some of their vinyl. They sound better than live on any equipment :-)
In my world 5k should get you perfection in a preamp.
The thing about tubes is you can change the sound which is both a blessing and a curse. It's more of a curse if you don't like to experiment. What I've been doing lately is converting vinyl to CD via my tube preamp with the really nice Mullard 12AX7 in the phono section. They sound so sweet when played back on the SS system like a cherry on top
Perfection is paying 5K for the band to come and play for you in your living room.
@@HareDeLune check out the Iron Cross. I think you are onto something with private performances but even there gotta keep your distance lol
@@JohnDoe-np3zk
I like the Iron Cross!
Andreea really outdid herself in yesterday's video.
They just keep getting better.
@@HareDeLune yeah they really do and the videos are trippy as well. Fun stuff.
Tubes offer full linear drive over the varying drive unit impedances.... Transistors can't do that and thus you see people talking about system matching .....
Yes some tube gear is not as neutral....but correctly designed vacuum tube amplifiers are NOT necessary adding artificial warmth , dept or bloom...so are some well designed transistor amplifiers..
Semiconductors lack to often in some and perhaps many cases these qualities which are discustted and attributed to tube gear............audiophiles , they have the tendency to inverse the errors .......
And YES there are good transistor amplifiers..they lean closer to what good tube amplifiers do and Yes there are BAD tube amplifiers .......
But mostly today they praise the lack off some qualities as being the faults of the other technologie.....
SO perfect sound , clean, transparent and no measurable static test bench distortion but lacking some of the qualities of good music emotional reproduction.
Good amplifiers whatever the technolgie used do connect you to the musical experience and the beauty of it, they are able to let you forget the technologie which is used...
All these pros and contras are idiophile masturbation..instead of believin and enjoyingg what your ears and your soul are experiencing..
At least when one rekindles a relationship with a previously loved item of gear there isn’t the prospect of a potentially very expensive and messy divorce. The expressions of pleasure that come across Steve’s face makes me wonder I what he’d be like if he was describing a female encounter.
Steve has been happily married for a long time. Ain't gonna happen.
Oh Carey get out your cane
And I'll put on some silver
Oh you're a mean old Daddy
But I like you fine
How much?. Try a Yaqin MC13s integrated.
I am from Kolkata, India.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Does anyone else think that snake oil tastes soooo good????!?!!?!!!?!!!!!!!!!!
What's for diner tonight ?
I have years of experience repairing and building hi fi amps, I cut my teeth on valve electronics and I can honestly say that in all those years I never noticed any real difference in audio quality betwen different brands of valves. Sure, some brands lasted longer than others and typically NOS vintage valves by reputable valve manufacturers such as Mullard, Telefunken etc... were higher quality in their overall build quality. There was no discernable difference in audio quality, not to my ears anyway. When it comes to solid state rectification vs valve IMO the only benefit to having a valve rectifier is in guitar amps whereby the sag on the H.T created by drawing a current through a valve rectifier creates a pleasing to the ear sustain. For hi fi amps that isn't a desirable quality at all and if inclined to use valves as hi fi amplifiers the use of solid state rectifiers is IMO of very real benefit.
Man, I couldn't disagree more. No offence, but, you sound more like a sceptical person whom refuses to try tubes, a bit like these folk that say all cables, sound the same.
Steve what is the watts/channel?
It’s a preamp, not an amp. No watts per channel.
20000 👍
200000🤓
For $1000 you can buy a seriously good class A integrated amp from China ...... There is no need to spend more ... It's pointless
Wouldn't buy nothing audio related from China lol
Ridiculous price for a preamp ..... All this audiofool equipment costs $100 to build and sells for $3500 etc ....
There's more to it than just the cost of the parts you goof.