Comments on: Tube vs. Solid-State Preamps: Magic, Myth, or Just Distortion?

By: Robert Devoy

Robert Devoy — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:55:03 +0000

In reply to CAH.

Thanks for the very quick reply. I do have a suspicion that the input impedance of my power amp may be too low for the tube preamp. The input impedance is only 10k ohm while most power amps seem to have anywhere from 50K to 200K ohms. I have a new power amp on the way that is rated at 56K input impedance.

Robert

By: CAH

CAH — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:43:01 +0000

In reply to Robert Devoy.

Hello Robert – I suspect the culprit is in the last line of your comment – careful matching. The sound characteristics you’re describing are the antithesis of a good tube preamp. They excel in midrange bloom, heft, and fullness. Although granted, some modern tube amp manufacturers are tending to voice their equipment far more neutral than designs of the past.
I wouldn’t give up on the Rogue, though I’m not familiar with it specifically. Perhaps some tube-rolling, investigate cables and ancillaries, or just consider the possibility that it’s not compatible with your specific power amp.
That said – if a good solid state preamp gives you everything you want, stick with what you like.
Cheers

By: Robert Devoy

Robert Devoy — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:33:40 +0000

I recently bought my first tube preamp, a highly rated RP-5v2 from Rogue Audio and it currently has about 200 hours of -in. I listen mostly to medium to hard rock along with some jazz, for example..Steely Dan, Lucinda Williams, Al Stewart, Poppa Chubby and many others. For the most part, I find the tube preamp to be unsatisfying. Overall, the sound lacks heft, weight, and fullness. It seems best suited to a certain type of music while the SS preamp sounds great on everything. The tube preamp has plenty of low end power, but the midrange sounds distant and not full. Separation of instruments seems exaggerated, highs are etched and sharp. I feel the SS preamp is far closer to what the artist intended. For most folks, I think an excellent SS preamp is the best choice. Also, the tube preamp needs careful matching to the power amp for the best outcome.

By: Jorge T. Aleman

Jorge T. Aleman — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 02:37:36 +0000

I own a solid state preamp (Bryston BP-17) and have thought of purchasing a new tube preamp but I find that any noted one is terribly expensive. Many years ago I owned the Carver tube preamp and was quite pleased with it.