My tube integrated amp has no chips that I know of. Therefore no processing except what comes out of my CD or SACD players.

It is connected directly to the Hi Level Inputs of my EP400s that do the heavy lifting down low - each outputting 500W. The mids/highs are handled mostly by the tubes that easily drive my M2s for a nice clean, articulate sound.

There is never any stress or nastiness that I can detect. I like it...

TAM