I currently use a BAT VK3i tube preamp to drive my Marsh A400S 200 wpc solid state amp. Although the VK3i is a well regarded piece of equipment in my mind it adds unnecessary distortion to the signal. To me the best pre amp is NO PREAMP. Also I am not enthusuastic about tubes which as mentioned above roll off the top end and fatten the bass. I therefore plan to get rid of my preamp as soon as I get the chance, and replace it with the simplest high quality solid state unit I can find. Actually, the volume control is the most important part of the preamp ! In the 21st century it does not make sense to use tubes to equalize your music. It is much better to use on the new digital correction systems from Sigtech or Tact.
Tube sound: Pre-amp vs. amp?
I'm just an audio neophyte, so bear with me on this question: If I want to achieve a "warmer", tube-like sound, do I have to upgrade BOTH the pre-amp and the amp to tubes? I currently have ss components (NAD) and would like to take the edge off the top, but keep the detail, especially in the mid-range.