[Jaudio77]

I have heard great things about the Van Alstine tube preamps and solid state preamp.  I have just purchased a Purifi class D amplifier.  I have Spendor A2.2 speakers.  I am trying to decide whether to get a T10 RB tube preamp or a Vision SLR solid state preamp.  I listen to mostly 60s 70s pop music.  I have never had a tube amp or preamp but I wonder if a tube preamp would provide a little warmth and weight to the sound that I would enjoy.  Meanwhile the Vision SLR solid state preamp is known for its quality and transparency.  It would also be, I believe, a fine upgrade to my current solid state preamp.  Which would you choose?  Thoughts?

[Jaudio77]

Is there something I need to do for this post to be approved?

[jmc207]

I mostly use tube preamps with my solid state amps. Most seem to bring more realistic warmth and smoothness to the sound. A T10 RB should be a good choice.

John

[mick wolfe]

I would certainly opt for the T10RB as well. This not only for the additional warmth, but also for the ability to further tailor the presentation via tube rolling.

[nlitworld]

I would also chime in a vote for tube preamps. Class D is an amazing modern achievement in super clean measuring amps, but sometimes the detail can be a little sterile and unrealistic hifi sounding. Good tube preamps will be very clear but also give just that dash of three dimensionality you're needing in life. Once you hear it, I don't think you'll be able to go back.

[SJ David]

I can't speak directly about the RB10 or the Vision SLR but I have owned both the AVA T8 and CFR (still own).

Tube preamps put out a fair amount of heat. The RB10 uses two tubes so its heat output is not as high as other models. Still, if you intend to use the RB10 full year you should give some thought to whether the incremental amount of heat works in your room during the peak of summer. My tube gear is packed away in the summer months.

You don't want to run tube equipment any longer than needed since tubes have a limited lifespan. That deserves some consideration if you prefer to leave the audio equipment most of the day or even all day. Tubes will last 2 years or more. Less if they are left to cook day after day.

Perhaps I am a bit contrary to the comments above but I don't find the AVA tube preamps to be inherently warm or to have that colored texture that is associated with some classic tube equipment. Comparing my CFR to my solid state preamp I find the overall sound very similar with clean, articulate transients and very good micro detail. I find the CFR able to better the solid state only in shaping full images of individual instruments/voices, but, man, it's not all that different. Tube rolling could make subtle changes for many but I tend to sit and do more listening than fiddling these days.

Bottom line, I would go with the RB10 if you are OK with a little more heat in the summer and shutting it off when not in use. Oh, and if you don't need a balance control, hi/lo gain and tape monitor.