[guf]

Should I just go for it and spend the extra money? If the goal is to have a tube sounding option. I'm currently using a w4s dac2 that I use as my pre. Also thinking of matching it with a fet valve 400r. Do 2 hybrids = one "full" tube component?  I'll be using these for HT2-TLs
thanks

[aln]

Great combination either way, the fet valve will have better control of the bass.  Many here use the 8 so they can add their comments.

[advanced101]

I have the HT2-TLs, W4S DAC2 and the 400R.  Sounds good, on the warmer side of things.  The HT2TLs are completely neutral speakers so all components upstream will be heard.  I would be careful in component selection if you want to keep a neutral sound (Balance between bright and warm).  If you want to stay on the warmer side of things then adding the 400R and a hybrid pre-amp will definitely keep you there.

I would question adding a pre-amp on top of the DAC2 unless you need analog inputs or other features.  If I had to choose between those 2 pre-amps I would choose the Fet Valve pre, your Speakers can resolve the SQ differences.

[avahifi]

My advice is that if you are looking for a bit of "tube sound" then go for the less expensive Transcendence 8+ vacuum tube preamplifier.

It, plus a Fet Valve 400R amp, will make a wonderful match for your Salk HT2TL speakers.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[pstrisik]

Frank,  Would you alter that recommendation any if matching with SoundScape 8's?  I'm still looking at the possibility of picking up that used, new chassis, T8.  You once indicated that the Fet Valves sounded a bit bright with the SS8's compared to the Synergy.

Thnx   .........Peter

[guf]

I have the HT2-TLs, W4S DAC2 and the 400R.  Sounds good, on the warmer side of things.  The HT2TLs are completely neutral speakers so all components upstream will be heard.  I would be careful in component selection if you want to keep a neutral sound (Balance between bright and warm).  If you want to stay on the warmer side of things then adding the 400R and a hybrid pre-amp will definitely keep you there.

I would question adding a pre-amp on top of the DAC2 unless you need analog inputs or other features.  If I had to choose between those 2 pre-amps I would choose the Fet Valve pre, your Speakers can resolve the SQ differences.

Yeah I wonder about adding another pre , If it is cost effective, and maybe my money is better spent somewhere else.  I only have ONE source, a mac mini. Being inexperienced in hearing different systems I'm not really sure what I like. I thought I liked bright, but maybe detailed is what I like. Its hard to articulate what it is that I want or what I'm hearing.  I currently am using a parasound 2250, with the dac2 and I think I want it to be a little warmer, but sometimes I love that piercing high end guitar or sax sound so I dont want to lose that. I dont know....
I am enjoying figuring it all out.
thanks for the suggestions

[mark funk]

Listen, my two, what you want in a HiFi is not bright and not warm but nothing! Your amp, pre amp, DAC or what have you should not have a sound of there own  . Then again thats just me  .


                                                                                     

[sarge_in]

Yeah I wonder about adding another pre , If it is cost effective, and maybe my money is better spent somewhere else.  I only have ONE source, a mac mini. Being inexperienced in hearing different systems I'm not really sure what I like. I thought I liked bright, but maybe detailed is what I like. Its hard to articulate what it is that I want or what I'm hearing.  I currently am using a parasound 2250, with the dac2 and I think I want it to be a little warmer, but sometimes I love that piercing high end guitar or sax sound so I dont want to lose that. I dont know....
I am enjoying figuring it all out.
thanks for the suggestions

In case you do get a separate Pre, I will be interested in your feedback. I have similar setup - HT2-TL, DAC2 and a W4S multi-channel amp. Sounds quite amazing, noise-free and dynamic at higher volumes. I remember reading somewhere that the DAC2 performs best at fixed output with a separate Pre, and some detail tends to get lost when used alone at lower volumes and I can see where that statement may be coming from. Best of luck whichever way you go, and do let us know!

Edit-
Just to add, I was using a Parasound A52 amp before W4S, and I agree Parasound was a bit brighter than I wanted.  I much prefer the W4S in that respect, as well as bass is MUCH better - clean, controlled and impactful.

[avahifi]

For driving Soundscape 8s, at least the pair we used at the AKFest, I would suggest a Fet Valve preamp and a Synergy 450 amplifier.

With the Soundscape 12 speakers we used at the Chicago Audio Society last fall, combining a Fet Valve preamp and a Fet Valve 600R produced wonderful results.

There is no perfect combination of electronics for all possible speakers.  All of our designs; tube, solid state, and hybrid have subtle differences. Listeners respond to these differences each in their own way.  Some may think a given speaker sounds a bit bright, another would describe that as simply very detailed. Everyone hearing the new Synergy amps is kind of taken by how smooth these amps sound.  Detailed, transparent, and smooth.  The Fet Valve amps simply kick ass and have a gorgeous and emotionally engaging midrange, as well as very extended, powerful, and dynamic clear bass capability.  We like to combine the awesome control of the Fet Valve amp with somewhat laid back speakers like Magnapans or the super neutral S12s.  We like the Synergy with the slightly lean sounding S8s.  There is no perfection out there yet, but using our new ABX box in the double blind mode, we are beginning to realize that the differences between our amps, and between our preamps are really minor, once the sugar pills are removed.

We really think that any choice of any AVA preamplifier and power amplifier will give you outstanding musical results, assuming that you chose enough power for your speakers, especially if you can listen beyond the faceplate looks, the cost, and knowledge of the internal technology.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[Kwebb]

I just received my FET Valve Hybrid Preamp, DAC, and 600r amp last Friday.  I am waiting for Jim to ship the new pair of HT3’s that I have on order.  In the mean time I have been using an old pair of B&W 603-S3’s I had on hand with Frank’s freshly delivered FET Valve components.   The FET Valve components are making these little B&W’s sing like angles in heaven, like never before, baring their little souls the best they can, just trying to keep up with signals pouring in (in kick ass fashion).

I am very impressed with FET Valve Hybrid components so for but I will wait to post a full detailed assessment & review once I receive my HT3’s (waiting is hell).  I recently sold my HT2-TL’s to help get the HT3’s.

From my limited time with these new FET Valve Hybrid components I just received I can totally understand what Frank is explaining in his post above.  Frank’s sharing of honest and truthful knowledge and information is one of his underappreciated virtues.

Kyle 

[pstrisik]

For driving Soundscape 8s, at least the pair we used at the AKFest, I would suggest a Fet Valve preamp and a Synergy 450 amplifier.

With the Soundscape 12 speakers we used at the Chicago Audio Society last fall, combining a Fet Valve preamp and a Fet Valve 600R produced wonderful results.

There is no perfect combination of electronics for all possible speakers.  All of our designs; tube, solid state, and hybrid have subtle differences. Listeners respond to these differences each in their own way.  Some may think a given speaker sounds a bit bright, another would describe that as simply very detailed. Everyone hearing the new Synergy amps is kind of taken by how smooth these amps sound.  Detailed, transparent, and smooth.  The Fet Valve amps simply kick ass and have a gorgeous and emotionally engaging midrange, as well as very extended, powerful, and dynamic clear bass capability.  We like to combine the awesome control of the Fet Valve amp with somewhat laid back speakers like Magnapans or the super neutral S12s.  We like the Synergy with the slightly lean sounding S8s.  There is no perfection out there yet, but using our new ABX box in the double blind mode, we are beginning to realize that the differences between our amps, and between our preamps are really minor, once the sugar pills are removed.

We really think that any choice of any AVA preamplifier and power amplifier will give you outstanding musical results, assuming that you chose enough power for your speakers, especially if you can listen beyond the faceplate looks, the cost, and knowledge of the internal technology.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

Thank you Frank.  Finding the right system synergy is a task!  (Maybe the Synergy amp would live up to its name for me in this regard!  )  I'm pretty set with tube pre and SS amp, so your suggestions make sense.  I'll get a sense of the SS8's in my existing system and see where to head from there.

........Peter

[pstrisik]

Frank,

You've described how the HT Bypass option on the T8+ allows HT operation with the preamp powered off.  Is the same true for the FET Valve Preamp?

Thanks  .......Peter

[avahifi]

The HT Bypass option is identical for all new AVA preamplifiers.

The preamp need not be turned on in the Bypass mode unless the Buffered Tape Option is installed.  If the Tape Buffer option is installed then the preamp will need to be powered up in the Bypass mode because the bypass output comes after the Tape Buffer circuits (if installed).

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine