I have all tube at this point so am openly biased. The right *quality* of all tube amp system will take you to a sweet place. But if I was to pick a tube pre to combine with a SS, I would still go with what I currently have: New Audio Frontiers Stradivari. With well-chosen NOS tubes, this preamp can combine with many amps, SS or tube, and add a sweetness, tone, and clarity--a balance that will add value to your setup. It's not low-budget, but much lower than new VAC's, BAT's, or Audio Research's higher-end tube preamps. To buy or inquire: Colin at Gestalt Audio.
Tube Amp or Tube Pre Amp
For those of you who have experience with tubes, what would be your preference.
Tube Amp with tube preamp, Tube Amp with solid state preamp, or Solid state Amp with tube preamp
My system currently is Mcintosh MC352 Amp Solid State, Mcintosh C49 Pre Amp SS, Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers.
I want to try tubes so with my current set up should I go tube amp or tube preamp?
Thanks