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

referee1

I like all tube, but it's probably best to start with a good tube pre ...   C22 mk V would compliment that amp well.  

Tube preamp for sure. As far as the amp goes use whichever (tube or SS) amp you like, as long as the impedance work.

stereo5 +1. I have the c2600 with GoldLion tubes. MC252 power amp(SS).  Much improved musical sound over my old c47 preamp. 

My experience moved me from all tubes to a tube pre and ss amp for a few reasons.  Cost of power tubes, heat, better bottom end control at the cost (maybe) of a very little loss in sound stage.  I would start with a good tube pre.  I've found that many newer pre's sound is moving toward a more SS sound.  Do your research.  I landed on a Cary SLP 05 but there are many great options.