Matching solid state amps with tube based pre amps

I was like to get people responses on the mixing a solid state power amps with a tubes base preamp or match only with
solid state preamp.

shrimpandgrits10-09-2021 9:18pm

daveyf Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,004 posts 10-13-2021 at 04:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I run a tube amp and a ss amp with my tube preamp ( not simultaneously). With the ss amp, the stage is slightly smaller ( due probably to the fact that the ss amp is a stereo amp and the tubes are mono blocks), but the SQ is excellent either way. What has not been touched upon is the fact that the ss amp will be less costly to run ( no tube replacements) and in many instances, more reliable. Depending on the tube amp, also less consistent sounding than the ss amp. ( due to bias drift, tube aging etc). No wrong answers, but a ss amp and a tube preamp can be the best of both worlds, IMO.
livinon2wheels Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 199 posts 03-10-2025 at 09:33pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have considered buying class D amps with tube buffers but am concerned that the inclusion of a tube would muddy the sound enough that I would not like the overall effect.
itball Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 107 posts 03-13-2025 at 01:41am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete LTA MZ3 preamp into SPL S800 SS amp to Harbeth SHL5+ speakers. Love it. Have been able to alter the sonics somewhat by rolling various tubes to get things to my liking which to me is an advantageous, interesting and fun benefit of the tube pre approach.