Tube questions

I'm considering the purchase of a CD player which has been modifed to use a tube output stage. This would be used in conjunction, initially, with a SS pre-amp and amp. What sort of changes, qualitatively speaking, should I expect to hear with such a configuration? Also, were I to replace the SS pre with a tubed pre (such as the Conrad-Johnson PV10), would I be likely to hear an audible difference? Would the tubes in the CDP and the pre need to be "matched," in some sense? Thanks in advance for any insights.

 

Ouch. Trick question. What CD player are you thinking of getting with a modified out?

Truthfully, I would really concider the amp stage possibly the most important place you'd hear tubes sweeten the sound. Let us know!

 

Sckott,

Thanks for the reply. Actually, there's been a change in my plans -- I just ordered a Sony SCD-C555ES SACD changer with op-amp mods from Oade Brothers. Eventually, I'll replace my pre-amp and possibly my amp with tubes. Is SACD all that some claim it to be? Guess I'll find out soon enough.

 

And be sure to remember Dreamcatcher...It's all in the mastering as to whether or not it sounds good. SACD is no exception to this rule.

 

On a related topic: It might not be a good idea to drive solid state amplifiers with tube gear, vice versa it makes a lot more sense. This is particularly true with pre- and power amps. Driving a transistor power amp with a tube preamp might result in a desaster, when the drive capacity of the tube preamp is insufficient for the input of the power amp. Tube power amps usually have much higher input impedance than transistor power amps.

Of course it all depends on tubes used, circuit design etc. so it is not possible to make a statement here that is valid in all real-world cases.

 

True. Tubes match well with tubes, and SS matches well with its own kind. I've used a simple amp with a tube pre, and it was OK.

For the CD output DAC modified with tubes, my take on it isn't a positive one. In most every case, it's better caps that dramatically improve the sound when you get close to the start of a playback chain. Boy, I've proved that to myself oOOoover and over again. I can put great caps in a Dynaco and the bottom end totally whoops ass in an honest way. Better tubes, the midrage flourishes.

In short, just because a CD player has tubes in it, doesn't make it gold. It's the construction and circuit that makes or breaks a piece of inner-chain equipement. You can put tubes on an OK CD player output, or you can change caps and recties, or just use a better DAC.

Then, we're talking about doing mean things to a CD player that meant well. I don't believe in that as comfortably either.

Your muscle is at the end. Your pre and amplification stage is more important, IMHO. More leverage in simple modification. I would have gotten a tube driven CD player a long time ago. I've heard a modified Marantz (Tojeb?) and thought what a nice CD player....but that's about it.

The Dynaco I built, honestly, showed me how powerful good caps are. Tubes, shmoobes! Yes, I LOOVE tubes, but a great circuit and parts beats the hell out of an OK set with great tubes.

See? Leverage and money where your mouth is. That sorta thing.