Tubed pre-amp for solid state amp?

Yes it is a good idea, the tube preamp with smooth out the solid state sound. Get any Conrad Johnson. The PC-10 would be an excellent choice.

i used to have a carver tfm35 that i used with a cal icon mk ii. i added cj's pv10al. it warmed the sound right up. and provided me with more detail and a better all around sound. i later used the pv10 with cj's mv55 when i decided to leave solid state. in short, a tube pre coupled with a solid state amp is a good idea in concept. listen to a few combos to insure the the execution comes off well. give the pv10 a listen. good luck.

I am currently using a Sonic Frontier Line 3 to drive a Bryston 4BST. The results are very close to what I get with a Krell KSA 200. Overall I am very happy with the results.

Ssing2- I am using a BAT vk3i pre w/McCormack DNA 0.5 dlx. Line stage only but sounds great and superior to the ARC SP9 MKII hybrid pre, which is now parked while I decide whether to sell or use in a 2nd system in my office. However, ARC phono stage was excellent, so depends on your source. However, I agree with others that this is a good way to go and avoids the high cost of feeding tubes to a power amp.

I have used a CJ PV10 first with an Adcom amp and for the last 4 years or so a Classe CA200. I think tube pre with ss amp is a perfect combo. The PV10 is outstanding IMO.