My system is actually pretty convoluted, but the simple way of describing it is:

I have the coaxial digital output of my CD/DVD player routed to the 950 and the player's analog outputs routed to one input of the tube preamp. On another input of the tube preamp, I have the 950's left and right line outputs. I can switch between the 950's left and right outs for movies, and directly from the CD/DVD player for music. I have a "calibrated" position on the tube preamp's volume control that I set it at when listening to the 950 so that the 75db calibration is not upset. The output of the tube preamp is permanently connected to the inputs of my power amplifiers (actually the active crossover network).

I would avoid placing a switch on the output of the 950 and tube preamp going to the power amp input.

I don't have any specific suggestions on tube brands. You might try reading Vacuum Tube Valley magazine which has loads of tube shootouts. www.vacuumtube.com


Now, about those class "A" single ended triode monoblock power amplifiers......


[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited March 03, 2004).]