[Tube Preamp][Need Help]Could you suggest a tube preamp matched with a SS AMP?

@rocray Yes, Aric make several tube preamps. They also have low (for tube) output impedance. My Special has output impedance of 200 ohms across frequency range. He makes one called the Unlimited which in basic form retails for ~$1600 I believe. I think highly of Aric and his products. I also own his Transcend amplifier which I have in rotation with a Pass XA25.

@princeliebe I have been toying with suggesting you look up Aric Audio and thereafter reach out to him. He just might have an answer for your needs.  I was hesitant due to your budget.  

Hi @decooney , thank you for your reply and advice.

I like the Onkyo combo. I think I could get along with them for a long time.

The thought about trying TUBE preamp or TUBE integrated amplifier started from the Melos CDD-2 & Melos MAX-3 (analog processor, I think it's a DAC). The max-3 has a 6922 tube inside. I compared this "tube" DAC with the RME ADI-2 DAC. It has something I like. Soft and warm sound, the details more clearly, and I am feeling the sound around me.

That's why I want to try TUBE preamp or TUBE integrated amplifier. Based on the advices by everyone posted to help me, I think integrated amplifier is a good idea. But Maybe $1000 not enough I think. For a NOT BAD tube integrated amplifier.

Mmmm. 

Thank you again. And all guys, good night!

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Aric Audio makes his preamps with adjustable gain. This allows his pre’s to work with most amps. No affiliation,just a very satisfied customer.  http://aricaudio.com/

Must say that @decooney  asks a good question and makes a good point. At the moment I am at a loss for options. 

The M504 is a good amp. The low input impedance does represent a load for most tube preamps however.  Not sure about the Schiit preamps having the required output impedance to serve. 

@princeliebe

Before jumping to the "go integrated" path, is there anything you do not like about the sound of your current pre/amp setup? If anything... ?

-Your M504 amps is no slouch. When they were still made fairly well.

-Why do you feel you need a tube preamp, maybe for a change in sound?

Not saying a tube preamp won’t help, more curious what you hope to achieve. A  nice tube preamp might be fun too. Those M504 amps are kinda neat. Options.    

You are welcome.

Thank you, guys!

@russ69 

@noromance 

@mesch 

@ditusa 

With a budget of 1K:  Maybe look at a Schiit Freya + or a Saga + preamp.

Mike

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

With a budget of 1K, the fact that your amp has low input impedance, and those speakers  are not a difficult load I must also agree that an integrated amplifier makes for a good choice.  As one possible, the Vincent SV-500 is a hybrid, having tube pre and SS amp, and retails for ~$1200. Sometimes Audio Advisor has one at discount. 

Yeah, I'd go for an integrated with phono on board if possible.

You might just want to get an integrated amp.