Recommend a Tube Pre & SS Amp Combo

Audio research combo
Ref 5 se + ref 150

Modwright LS-100 / KWA-100/150, depending on budget.

What is your budget?

Wow, thanks for the input so far and to answer some questions asked:

Lloyd - You articulated exactly what I am after with "tonality". I have been reading up as much as possible on SS amps and have never come across a recommendation for bolder, will have to dig into that. Also, would a class A amp be wise while also serving as the HT purpose? (I don't have any experience here in class A)

The pre does not need a phone stage, I have one already.

I guess in a perfect world the pre could double as a HT processor for better integration, but I am not will to compromise on 2 channel for this (not sure this is even feasible with valves).

Winoguy - with your combo any urge to upgrade this part of your system feeding our Dali's?

I would like to keep this under $5k and may likely have go used to realize this, which I am fine with.

Anyone have experience with Cary, say the slp05 with there SS amps?

Again, thanks for the advice so far.....

You could do a Modwright LS100 and KWA150 for about $5K used, including some Sophia 6SN7's and a Mullard for the rectifier which take the performance of the LS100 to a significantly higher level. I've been using this combination for almost a year now after running several different ARC tube preamp and solid state amp combinations. The Modwright stuff is truly excellent. The KWA150 is the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove-plenty of power, control and finesse. The LS100 will impart a very slight tube character on the sound--more so than the LS36.5 which I previously owned. It is very spacious, quiet and musically involving. I cannot recommend this combination highly enough. And, if you get the upgrade bug you can have your KWA150 upgraded to the "SE" version which I understand is competitive with just about anything out there that isn't silly money. Before you buy used, however, give Dan a call--many times he has show demos that can be had with full warranty for slightly more than what you would pay on the used market.

Hi Juggernaut,

I am glad to be of some help. I have been fortunate to receive help from AGoners in the past and happy to share it.

Regarding your budget, that is a good one. I will say that Class A tends to be quite expensive. But (for me) i have had very good experience with nearly every SS Class A i have heard/owned/auditioned. This includes Forte 4, older Krell amps (which are within your budget for sure), Gryphon and Boulder (which cost much more). You could probably get an Antileon second-hand within your budget...and probably never look back.

OTOH, i believe that Clayton Audio could possibly be within your price new or demo. You'll see plenty of positive comments about them here.

I think Class A would be fine for home theater...plenty of power, headroom, etc....as these are typically SS beasts from the standpoint of having high current, generally very solid power specs.

Good luck and pls post with any questions or updates.