Tube Pre before or after?

[quattro64]

Thinking of adding a tube pre-amp to my system. Anyone have any thoughts on if I could get away with just using one stereo amp before the SM? Sure would save me some money.

 

[Sonik Wiz]

Thinking of adding a tube pre-amp to my system. Anyone have any thoughts on if I could get away with just using one stereo amp before the SM? Sure would save me some money.

If you want to add a 2 ch tube pre-amp before the SM you only need one as the SM has only one 2 ch input. If you want to add it after the SM it would require 2, 2ch pre-amps. The bigger question is: why?

In your member profile there is a place to list all your various audio gear. It is a great benefit to those replying to questions like this.

 

[quattro64]

Hi, I have a SM 3 and it sounds great. Just wondering if I can add a bit of tube magic? The SM3 is transparent, so I guess I could put a Schiit Valhalla 2 in front and use it's pre-out? I Use a Mojo 2 as source, play music from my devices, PC. Eventually use it with phono stage also.

 

[~dave~~wave~]

Hi, I have a SM 3 and it sounds great. Just wondering if I can add a bit of tube magic? The SM3 is transparent, so I guess I could put a Schiit Valhalla 2 in front and use it's pre-out? I Use a Mojo 2 as source, play music from my devices, PC. Eventually use it with phono stage also.

I use my Schitt Vali 2 to level match the input from turntable preamp driving a long cable to SM eval board with good results.

Other than low noise & good fidelity, not hearing any "tube magic" with these old ears.