I have been quite busy this past year, completely revamping a system that had been stable for 10 years. I replaced the amp with Teacs, both later modded, I replaced the cd changer with a Nakamichi and Bolder Mensa, I replaced the speakers with DIY designs, using WR125’s, and just this last week, replaced my B&K pre/pro, as my 2 channel preamp, with a Hagerman Clarinet.
AC member mgalusha built it for me, something that I could not have done for myself – the last time I tried any soldering, I was building a set of IC’s that I read a design for. I went out and bought an iron, and some solder. I was working away with the tools, on the dining room table, when the iron started to roll off the table, plummeting towards the carpet, still plugged in… I saved it, by grabbing it, holding it briefly, and then dancing around the room, filling it with blue air! It was then that I remembered those funny looking coil things that people seem to store their hot soldering irons in…
So many thanks to mgalusha for saving me from myself, and building this Hagerman Clarinet, in the carcass of an older Tara Labs preamp that I bought off Audiogon.
So, my system has evolved remarkably in the last 12 months, and is now fully comprised of gear either from, or modded by, manufacturers on this board. I have found this a great place to learn and share.
I know that there are others that use a tube pre, with a digital amp, and some of them have been instrumental in my decision to pursue this angle. Thanks to dmason, and lcrim for sharing their experiences with me, and helping me to understand other things I could do to improve my sound, affordably – no Larry, I still don’t have a balanced power device, but have begun saving – I may end up spending it on the Slim Devices Squeezebox, but do intend on a balanced power toy at some point.
Now, to the point, the tube pre is fantastic, and I am really stoked about the performance that my year of reading, researching, and investing is returning to me. This is my first tube component, and in combination with the rest of my gear, I like how it makes almost all of my music more enjoyable.
The B&K is now relegated to HT duty, using the bypass that Mike installed in my Clarinet.
The tubes seem to bring an improved sense of depth, and emotion to the music, in my system. I am hearing the inflection of the voice more, and do notice that space around reverb is more clearly evident. I really think that the combo of the drive of the Bolder Teac, with the golden hue of the Clarinet, is working for me. It reminds me of the colour of light at the end of a summer day, versus the colour of the light in the morning – also kind of like gold versus platinum, and how they shine.
If there is one negative about the tubes, it was when I first dropped it into place, I noticed that the music seemed to slow down some – almost like the musicians took time out from playing to share a fat smoke, and down a few shots, then come back to play – the installation of the JAZZ FOD that I bought from Bolder helped, as did the Herbie’s Halos. NOS Tung Sol’s have helped too. This has brought back some of the PRAT, but it is still relaxed – it is almost like I am hearing a jam session, rather than a performance, which those of you who have played, or hung around bands, will understand.
In any case, if you are out there, and have a digital amp, you owe it to yourself to get your ears on a tube pre – it does NOT have to cost you an arm and a leg, and I suspect that careful selection will bring wonderful results for you, as they have for me.
So, anyone else out there using a tube pre with a digital amp of any kind, and notice anything good?
Have a good one
