I am pleased to see that most of the posts acknoledge the point that a tube input or pre section of an SS amp, does not mean the amp sounds like a tube power amp. The tube effect goes beyond tone, it is the tube's ability to yeild a beautiful 3D soundscape. The SS output seems to flatten the image IMHO of course, YMMV etc.
Hybrid Integrated Amps: Any Good?
I have the opportunity to purchase a Bada dc-222 for around $400. It's a tube pre/solid state power integrated amp. Part of me says, "Wow, tube and solid-state, best of both worlds," while another part of me says, "Sounds like a gimmick and compromise that is going to be the worst of both worlds." Thoughts?