[sanjaygolf]

Anyone running a tube preamp with their Selah speakers? I currently have SSRs with a Emotiva RSP preamp and RPA amp but I have never heard any tube gear so I was wondering how they would match up with the SSRs.

[chrismercurio]

Honestly,

A good preamp is a good preamp regardless of whether there is sand or valves in it. That being said, see if you can borrow one from a friend or a local dealer and try it. You could also buy something cheap and used from Transcendent or Bottlehead and turn around and sell it if you don't like it.

I have both tube and solid state preamps at home and am of two minds when it comes to this issue: (sonics vs practicality)

I ultimately prefer the sound of tubes as even the best of solid state circuits don't sound quite as lifelike or three dimensional as the best tube circuits I have experienced.

I like the lower maintenance and noise that come from solid state.

Regards,

Chris

[musicman06]

I use a tube pre with my Tanzanites... which really doesn't tell you much about the SSRs. However, I'm sure it would be fine. I have a tube DAC and an SS processor (with bypass) as well.

[DSK]

I used a tube pre-amp with my SSR's and it was a wonderful combination but I haven't tried a tube power amp on them.

[kip_]

I'm using a tube integrated (Onix SP3) with my SA-2s and am very happy with the results so far.

[Stuart Cohen]

I am using my SSR's with a Bottlehead Extended pre. Excellent combination and plenty of fun tube rolling. Highly recommended....... The SSR's also sound great with a Dyanakitparts, Mark III tube amp and a LM3886 chip amp.

[Carl V]

SSR's with tube pre- isn't much of an issue imho
I've run the SSRs with tube amps & SS. 
Now this is where your subjective needs/wants come into play.

By in large most guests have liked the SSR sound.
Using an active XO for a Subwoofer pays big dividends.

[sanjaygolf]

Glad to hear there people out there with experience with SSRs and tubes. I'm just trying to wrap my head around the many options available. Price is a factor and I would like to be <$500 for a used unit. With a used unit I can at least just get a taste and if I dont like it can sell with little loss. So far, along with the ones suggested already, I've looked at the Mapletree Line 2A SE. I dont need something with many inputs but I do need 2 outputs. So if anyone has any more suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it.

[DSK]

I'm probably preaching to the choir here but for anyone unfamiliar with the SSR's (and Rick's other creations), they are capable of running in far higher $$$$ systems without being outclassed. IMHO they equal or better other acclaimed and awarded standmounts I've heard including B&W 805, Dynaudio Contour 1.3 and Special 25, Jamo Concert 8. They are also more coherent than many floorstanders.

[rklein]

I do not own the SSR's but I have built the TRT kit offered by Rick which is a 2.5 way speaker that incorporates the 7" SS Revelator driver that the SSR has.  I am currently running a ST-120 Dynaco clone that I built from a kit offered by Bob Latino along with an Ultra 4A SE Pre by Mapletree Audio.  I am very pleased with what I am hearing.

rklein

[ecramer]

Ive used my Rogue Magnum 99 Tube pre with both my Tazinites and my rc5-g's from Rick  Ive used the Pre and a  Quicksilver MS-190 with the RC-5g's with very good results

ED

[Stuart Cohen]

Hello,

A suggestion... Bottlehead came out with a Quickie preamp around Christmas. This pre is $99.00, runs on batteries and an inexpensive tube. I'm not sure about your experience or desire to do DIY but it is very easy to build. The Quickie gives you the idea of the Foreplay III sound but with less expense and easier assembly. I hope this helps.

Stu

[sanjaygolf]

Thanks for the info Stuart but I guess I should update that I just recently got a tube preamp. I found a Mapletree Line 2A SE used and have been listening to it for the past week. So far is sounds great with the SSRs.