tube gear where do i start?

[RGA]

Technically, though, this is not the same as having the tubes in the amplifier. What you are describing is more like a filter to take the edge off of sources that might have a slightly harsher sound. I would guess that to someone accustomed to using a tube amp, the sound would not be the same, no matter where in the system it is connected. It is a rather intriguing solution, nonetheless. I wouldn't mind giving it a whirl.

Has anyone here used one of these?

You're right and the ASL AQ1003DT with the B&W CDM 1NT sounded faster tighter and even brighter than several SS amp's I tried. The ASL was not harsh bright but certainly had more of that "air" often assoxciated with big SS power. Interestingly if you compared it to my Sugden A48b -- I would bet every listener if they had to pick which one sounded like the valve amp would choose the Sugden which is a 70 watt SS amp.

The people starting these myths are either talking to 60 year olds who last heard a tube amp in 1960 or just have not heard a good tube amp.

My current tube amp in TWO reviews refer to it as dark or rolled off in the treble slightly --- after finding out what speakers were used in both tests I understand their result - and both very much liked the amp -- but I have to wonder why these people are in the review business testing a 10 watt amp on power hog speakers -- impedences on most speakers get tough at the frequency extremes -- which tuckers out low watt amps. In fact I'm amazed by the positive reviews of the amp with the speakers matched up -- neither used the matching speakers neither used a speaker with flat impedence neither used a high snesitive speaker or a horn???

I mean if I had a 1 watt amp and brought in a speaker that was 70db sensitive with .06ohm dip and then compalined that the speaker had no bass and rolled off highs - people would say i was unfair to the speakers -- funny that it doesn't go the other way.

[theaudiohobby]

-- neither used the matching speakers neither used a speaker with flat impedence neither used a high sensitive speaker or a horn???

RGA,

How many speakers are out there, with high sensitivity speakers as well as a flat impedance? There are not many at all, and where they exist they are either very large or have fairly restricted bandwidth, there is no free lunch.

[RGA]

RGA,

How many speakers are out there, with high sensitivity speakers as well as a flat impedance? There are not many at all, and where they exist they are either very large or have fairly restricted bandwidth, there is no free lunch.

TAH you are absolutely correct -- and the last few times I have been on the same page with you...there are other things beyond sound that are advantages and disadvantages and the disadvantage of my amp is that you are incredibly pidgeonholed into selecting speakers. And if you change your mind on the speakers then you probably have to change the amp as well. And in the case of my SE it is actually relatively powerful so the people buying those 1.5 watters really have a small selection of speakers to go to.