I've tried tube pre/solid state amp, and solid state pre/ tube amp. I found I got a lot more pleasing 'tube sound' with the tube amp. The preamp didn't seem to add enough tube euphony (audible illusions 3a) to be worth the loss in detail (to my adcom 750). Results and taste may vary !
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.