|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
I am a recent convert to tubes--just bought a Cary SLP 98L and am sitting around wondering what took me so long.The preamp uses 4-6SN7 tubes which (according to the manual) are buffer cathode followers (1 pr) and line stage (1 pr). My question is, what does this mean? Can anyone explain to me the different functions that these tubes accomplish in this preamp or guide me to an online reference that'll give me an idea of how these beasts work? (Funny, I never cared how my SS preamp worked.)
Also, does each pair contribute equally to the sound of the preamp? Should I stay with matched quads when I change tubes or can I use a matched pair in each position? Oh, and speaking of position, can anyone tell me which pair is which on the SLP98? Jeeze, I feel like a five year old who can't stop asking questions. Thanks!
Follow Ups:
Hi,the CF's are buffers, high input impedance, so that the line gain stage and any selected source in combination, see an easy load, and don't sag in frequency response / balance terms, helps with noise too.
The cathode follower's output impedance is also low, which allows the VC and line out stage to drive the cabling to and load of your power amp/s again without FR or balance cahnges or noise getting in.
The line gain stages provide you with the capability of matching listening levels on different sources, eg a tuner 400mv 0db out to CDP @ about 2 volts out!
And, secondly to provide neough drive to match with power amps sensitivities ahich can rnage from 125 mv on Leka maps top 2 volts on some big SS mothers.
don't know the preamps so cannot advise on which tubes do which.
BTW good 6SN7's are very nice sounding tubes, blameless, can drive headphones in the right circuit, and David Berning uses thewm in his baby OTL power amp.
What has it done for your music; which music too?
smile
Thanks, that helps.
What has it done for my music? I can't think of anything that isn't different. The soundstage is deeper, wider. Imaging is improved, as are dynamics.. The brightness that finally caused me to get rid of my old Bryston preamp is much, much less. Transients have a tighter attack and decay. Bass is also tighter. I have CDs that I've listened to for years that seem completely new. I'm hearing detail that I never knew was there.
My music? Classical mainly. A lot of chamber music. Mahler, some 20th century. I also listen to a lot of Tom Waits, and really just about everything from The Blind Boys of Alabama to the occasional foray into groups like A3 and Current 93. I haven't had the courage to try Mahler's 8th yet. I know it'll be much better than with the Bryston, but the ensemble is so huge in this symphony I expect it will still be at lease somewhat muddy.
Hi,similar or overlapping muisc
read my system under the moniker in Inmates,
eh!
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: