Starting with only part of your system tubed is easiest. If you have a hum or .... it is a lot easier to track down. It is also a lot easier to compare different tubes (rolling) when the rest of the system is solid state. It seems that tube problems/quirks multiply and are impossible to pin down in an all tube system. Currently using a Classe 30 with a Dynaco ST-80 tube amp. My Theta and Audio Alchemy D/A s were every bit as nice as my CAL Alpha and easier to deal with.
Mixing SS and Tubes
I'm thinking about getting into tubes and have read threads about mixing SS amps with tube preamps. What about the other way around? Are there any advantages (or disadvantages) with mixing a ss preamp with a tube amp? I currently have a MAC MA6450 which I was thinking of using for the preamp side and then getting a reasonable tube amp to play around with. If this is worthwhile, any suggestions for the tube amp (< $1000) would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Thanks!