[Vulcan00]

Hey Guys:

I would appreciate your opinions on few options I have in mind regarding upgrading/adding tubes to my system.
I have solid state amp 250w/ch and a ultra EC preamp with HT2-Tl speakers. Which of the following moves would you recommend:

1. Upgrading my ultra to Ultra II

2. Purchase a Ultravalve ( web site says 35w  pushes HT3 very well to reasonable levels)

3. Purchase a T8+

I am awful interested in what tube amplification would sound like in my system. However I wonder if the ultra upgrade would satisfy my urge to improve my sound. My system currently sounds great , I just would like to keep experimenting on changes and improvements. Any thoughts you might have would be appreciated.

Harrison

[martyo]

Hey Harrison,
All solid state amps don't sound the same so you could help by mentioning what amp you have. 

I have a T8+ but I wouldn't go from an Ultra pre to a T8.

I have HT3's and the Ultravalve wouldn't be near enough power for me but you have the "2's". I was very impressed with the Synergy 450 at the recent show. Depending on your current amp that could be a real nice upgrade.

I haven't heard the difference in the Ultra II pre compared to the original Ultra but I was VERY happy with the upgrade to Ultra II DAC from the Ultra DAC.

Have you tried any other tubes in your Ultra?

[Vulcan00]

Thanks for your reply martyo,

I am using a Parasound Halo 51 amp. I understand about the power, It wouldn't be enough for me either but I am limited now living   in apt. So I felt the ultravalve would be plenty for now. I bought the ultra used here on AC, it has been convert to the taller tubes. I have a Parasound halo 7.1 analog preamp , I have it set up so I can switch between HT and 2 ch (ultra).
Since I am off surround sound I should just sell the parasound equipment and invest in only 2 channel.  Actually I would like to sell everything and start over 

[Lefty052347]

The first thing I would do is upgrade your Ultra preamp.  $300 per section or $500 if you do both line and phono.   I am currently running a FET Valve pre and Ultravalve amp driving 90db efficient speakers and I am very happy.  If I run it at 80db (measured with a radioshack meter) my wife complains she can't hear the TV up stairs.  I can hit over 90db without strain on rock/pop.  I believe the Ultravalve would have adequate power to drive your 87db HT2's in an apartment.

That being said, tube amps can be a little fussy.  I replace power tubes about every 14 months.  I check the bias at least once a month.  The small single tubes lasted about 2 years.  The rectifier tube has been replaced twice but not since I started using a good NOS rectifier.
A good plug and play option would be a Synergy 300.  No fuss, just great sound   The difference in price would pay for an Ultra II upgrade. 

Although I also have a Synergy 300 running upstairs, I use the Ultravalve in my primary music system.

These are my personal opinions/experiences with the products you mentioned. 

Feel free to call the shop and talk to Frank since he runs HT2's in his personal system.

Regards,
Dean

[Vulcan00]

Lefty thanks,

It makes sense to upgrade the ultra I guess.

I am sold on VA equipment. I put it this way, I am  half- ass guitar player and when I'm working on tabbing a new song, i always use the ultra preamp, simply because I can hear the note so much more clear using it. Using my other preamp sometime I never hear the obscure notes, they run together or just are not there.

I would like to understand what a tube amp does to music, I already know how it sounds with guitar amps. I would not use anything but tube amps with the guitar.

[SteveFord]

A good tube stereo amp will do the same thing your guitar amp does.
Take the plunge and hear for yourself!