Conventional wisdoms state that if you use solid state and tubes together that the preamp should be tube and the amp solid state. In my second system I use an Audio Research VT100 amp(tube) with a Macintosh preamp(ss) with electrostats(also a difficult load to drive)with excellent results. I still get the benefit of the tube sound and the speed and accuracy of solid state.It works in my system,but as always, you will have to try it in your system to see if it works for you.Good luck
Tube Amp w/Solid State Pre-Amp ?????
I'm building a second system for Phono only. I need advice on what Tube amp to match with my B&W N802's, and a Spectral DMC-20 Pre-amp w/Phono. Or am I defeating the purpose getting a Tube Amp, with a Solid State Pre? I love the Phono on the Spectral, but desire some tube warmth for Phono Application's. Keep in mind that the 802's are difficult to drive. Please help.