SS against Tube Preamp

It sure can go either way(good or bad). If you really want to try one, see if you could find a loaner. If not, see what models your considering can be bought and sold without to much of a loss dollar wise.

Dvjorge, I myself not a dealer, cannot say what you will like. Everyone who posted here most likely has a completely different system and taste for their equipment. If I mix tube and SS, I mostly prefer SS preamp, and tube power amps. I have on occasion done the opposite over the years also. I can say that in general a lower priced tube preamp may have rolled off highs, and be less transparent. I imagine there are new ones out there for less money nowadays that may not fit this description. There are a lot of people on this forum that love the tube preamp, and solid state power amp combination. All said, we can't say you'll like a certain food, or type of car either. Elizabeth asked you what your looking for sonically, and you haven't even responded to that. I stated it could go either way. I don't think anyone hear is trying to mislead you. In the end, you will be the only one that will know if you like the combination. Adding a tube preamp isn't a guarantee for anything, in any system.

It's still hard to say that combo will work. Those amps you heard, if they were "tubed power-amps", I don't think a combo SS/tube would do the same. Maybe a just a little taste of it, but not much.