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.

 

[quattro64]

The Vali is a Hybrid? Valhalla is full tube OTL. I think It might also benefit from some tube rollin'?

 

[Sonik Wiz]

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.

Tube magic? I think the highest goal of audio gear is to be neutral & transparent. Which you say the SM is & I agree. Why degrade from that?

 

[quattro64]

Tube magic? I think the highest goal of audio gear is to be neutral & transparent. Which you say the SM is & I agree. Why degrade from that?

You make a great point. It has been a long time since I've had a tube in any hifi gear. Maybe I'm just curious? Maybe the brain does like large amounts of even order distortion? for now it is moot, Val 2s are no longer on sale for 50% off at Schitt. I'm gonna wait until Val 3 is out and read some reviews, go to a can jam and have a listen.