What are the advantages of tube separates as opposed to integrated amps?

[audio]

I really dig integrated amps because they save space, they have headphone jacks, and it's an inexpensive way to get a good system for a smaller room. What is the advantage of going with separates instead?

[chrischross]

You nailed the advantage of an integrated amp. That's how I started out.

Still have the integrated, and it runs in "pre" mode (kind of the reason why I bought the Audiolab 8000S was for the ease of upgrade). When I got ahold of the tube monoblocks, I kept going back and forth during the trial period to see if tubes were the way to go. Still have the monoblocks, and I find switching back to integrated mode takes quite a bit of the life out of the music. One listen to Curtis Mayfield and the differences were astounding -- vocals, guitar, drums all markedly improved.

Now if I could just afford a tube pre-amp, I'd be even closer to nirvana.:)

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by chrischross
Still have the monoblocks, and I find switching back to integrated mode takes quite a bit of the life out of the music. One listen to Curtis Mayfield and the differences were astounding -- vocals, guitar, drums all markedly improved.


Hi Chris,

And what happens to the bass in your analysis?

-Jeffrey :)

[chrischross]

Originally posted by Jeffrey


Hi Chris,

And what happens to the bass in your analysis?

-Jeffrey :)

Well, on tracks with heavy amounts of bass like Erykah Badu's debut, you do notice that the solid state integrated handles bass better. But overall, I'll sacrifice some bass for the midrange improvements that tubes are giving me.

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by chrischross


Well, on tracks with heavy amounts of bass like Erykah Badu's debut, you do notice that the solid state integrated handles bass better. But overall, I'll sacrifice some bass for the midrange improvements that tubes are giving me.

Hi Chris,

I've noticed the same thing in my comparisons and would never trade the life-like mid's that tubes deliver for the tighter SS bass. :agree:

-Jeffrey

[chrischross]

Originally posted by Jeffrey


Hi Chris,

I've noticed the same thing in my comparisons and would never trade the life-like mid's that tubes deliver for the tighter SS bass. :agree:

-Jeffrey

Jeffrey,

Could you update your system profile?? Are you running a tube preamp or a tube integrated??

One of the local retailers I respect strongly recommends that one have a tube pre-amp, and the amps can be solid state. Not sure if I agree, but I do know that I definitely don't have the ideal arrangement with a solid state pre and tube amps.

I do notice that once the tube amps came in, the amount of listening I do has increased greatly. The system was OK prior to the tube amps, but the Audiolab was a bit sterile sounding. I think the Audiolab is a great value for those starting out on this addiction of ours, but the lack of a phono stage is a real concern for me right now. Oh well -- no integrated is perfect.

Too bad that Audiolab got bought by McClaren TAG, the prices went through the roof and the US distribution all but died.

[audio]

FYI, when I mention "integrated amps", I'm not talking about solid state.

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by chrischross


Jeffrey,

Could you update your system profile?? Are you running a tube preamp or a tube integrated??

One of the local retailers I respect strongly recommends that one have a tube pre-amp, and the amps can be solid state. Not sure if I agree, but I do know that I definitely don't have the ideal arrangement with a solid state pre and tube amps.


Hi Chris,

Sorry i'm changing gear all the time so i don't do the profile thing. Currently, my tube stuff is all McIntosh..... MC240, C-20, C-20, C-22, MR-66. The C stuff are all tube preamps.

I've heard "experts" say what your local retailer did and i have also heard "experts" say a SS pre w/ tube amp is the way to go to keep the bass tighter. My buddy has a $9k SS preamp (Griphon) paired w/ his VAC tube amp and thinks it's great........ i don't. :laugh:

-Jeffrey