Preamp Tone: Tube vs. Solid State

[Steady339]

I usually pair my SS preamp with my SS power amp, but tonight I decided to try combining my Doge 8 tubed preamp (NOS Telefunken tubes) with my Solid State Hafler P-3100 amp. I was struck with just how much better the Doge tubed preamp did with reproducing the natural tones of the orchestral instruments! All the orchestral instruments just are sounding so much more natural and right with the tubed preamp because the correct harmonic overtones of the instruments are being reproduced! Even flutes, a tough instrument's sound to reproduce, is better. When I hear flutes in a concert hall, it sounds like their sound goes all the way up to the ceiling of the hall. With my tubed preamp the height of the flute tones are reproduced with some natural-sounding height, unlike the low-height flute sound with my SS preamp.

[Formerly YB-2]

No surprise. You might find it gets even better with a bit of tube-rolling.

[Steady339]

Formerly YB-2, I’m happy with the sound of the Telefunken 12AT7 in the line stage. I’ve already rolled Mullards and Seimens which sounded too bright. What tubes would you recommend?

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Steady339

Formerly YB-2, I’m happy with the sound of the Telefunken 12AT in the line stage. I’ve already rolled Mullard and Seimens which sounded too bright. What tubes would you recommend?

No experience with your gear, but I've had great experiences with both Gold Lion and PSVane in the past. I tried those in a McIntosh preamp.

[Formerly YB-2]

I've usually had a preference with Phillips small signal tubes, though the new Gold Lion tubes are very nice in my preamp.

[Steady339]

I went with NOS Telefunken ECC81 because it’s big brother, the Tele ECC801s, have a recording studio reputation as the best tube of the 12AT7 family. I figured the Tele ECC81 would have close to the 801s sound except would not have the lower noise of the latter. Like I said I am happy with the sound of Tele ECC81 although I’ve read there are other good choices too.