Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp?

If you like Maggies like I do, solid state amps are mandatory and adding a tube pre produces a warmer, more holographic soundstage.  Right now I'm enjoying a Marantz 7c with a Mark Levinson 23.5 amp into Magnepan Tympani 1-D's.  It's H-U-G-E!

I love how every question is viewed as an invitation for a word-salad description of everyone’s systems: "I’ve been running my Socrates Coriander Maxi-Spinnakers (the XLT with the optional basin reinforcements) with a Blue Trident Axolotl directly integrated to a bi-wired Dimetrodon...and that is my bathroom system..."

Not that actual equipment configurations isn’t helpful info...but for some people I think their real hobby isn’t even music or gear, it is simply talking about their gear by concatenating multi-syllabic words. To each his own.

Anyway, a bit of practical input. I’ve had tube power amps and tube preamps and you definitely get the most "tube-like euphony" from power amps. However, I did find that tube rolling super vintage tubes in a good tube preamp (my current one is a BAT...too short a name for the hobby) does also provide that.

BUT: I have found that most new (i.e. modern production) tubes have a more solid state type of sound, or at least do not offer as much of that syrupy euphony. It really is the vintage ones that have the most effect, and those are quite expensive and very difficult to match.

So, if you go tubes, even preamp, be prepared to spend substantial amounts per tube to be able to experiment and get to your desired results. I’m sure the impact of tubes differs gear to gear, and YMMV and all that. This has just been my experience.

I have a PrimaLuna Dialogue for the pre that runs into a pair of Odyssey Khartagos. I love the sound. The only con I can see to this setup is that I keep the SS amps on 24/7 but to conserve the tubes, I only turn them on when listening. This means I have to shut down the SS amps while I power up the tube amp so I don't damage my speakers.

So far, that is the only drawback.

No suggestions on a tube preamp for my CJ mf200?? I’m looking for something with a remote in the $500 used range. I’m new to separates and looking for some good advice. Thanks 

A tube pre amp with your Cornwalls would be an excellent move.

As the proud owner of a pair of K-horns I bought new 42 years ago, I can tell you Klipsch speakers respond well to tubed gear. In fact , I use all tubes with the exception of a Mac 250 that I use to power the bass on my bi-amped speakers.

I use an Eastern Electric tube pre-amp. The build quality is unbelievable, sound is fantastic, and you can tube roll to your hearts content. I have found in most instances my pair of Telefunken 12au7s sound the best out of close to a dozen different brands that I roll, Mullard included. (better bass, stone quiet).

I bought mine 15 years ago, absolutely love it. I'm sure you would too!  Enjoy!!!