Tubes for Top, SS for Bottom--Good Idea?

Hi, my associated equipment is: Vandersteen 2ce, Aragon Preamp, Nakamichi CD.

Yes it is a good idea . go to vtl.com for more information also NHT (houseofnht.com ? ) for great articles on bi amping. If your speakers are bi amp ready great and your amp has a volume control . or you will need an electronic crossover. The vtl website has a great easy to understand explanation. PS The VTL ST 150 ROCKS !

I guess the question isn't so much is biamping a good idea...as it is "is biamping using tubes on top, ss on bottom a good idea." I looked at the VTL site and it appears that they triamped using the same amps...which seems logical to me. It strikes me that because ss is faster than tubes, than the music could be slightly out of phase...this besides the gain problems...but I'm no expert so I don't know if that's the case. Also, I'm wondering if adding an active crossover really robs the system of lots of transparency.

I prefer the use of tube on top and ss on the bottom. No question ss produces a tighter, deeper bottom end. Tubes on the other hand are famous for fabulous mids and sweet highs. The secret is balance between the two. It is possible to find two amps with the same output but you'll have to be a lucky so n so to do it. You might find an amp or amps with level controls. Hopfully you'll like the sound of the amps or use a high quality crossover like a Bryston 10B (about $500. on the used market) with crossover settings and level controls. GOOD LUCK!

Yes, it can be a great way to combine the best of both worlds. I had done it for 4 years using Counterpoint equip, Solid-2 on the bottom, NP400 on the top (Hybrid). You need to be very careful when using 2 different amps because they may have different Gains and Power curves. Ie. How much power does it supply for the same amount of "volume control level". If the amp on top has a higher gain, you will have an extremely bright top end and no bass. Of course, vice versa for the other way around.