Benefits of tube sound with SS amp with tube cdp?

First of all, thanks for the feedback guys. I have a lot to learn and demo before I get the sound I want, I have a couple of follow ups:

Eagle: I went to the Granite audio site and read about your cdp, looks interesting. I have already read about the Placette from previous threads. Would you say the majority of the improvement in your system came from the Granite cdp or the Placette passive pre?

Amandarae: Sounds like an awesome system. I'm trying to understand your post... I thought the ARC LS-12 was a tube preamp to begin with? Did your Mapletree replace your ARC LS-12? If so, didn't you already have a tube preamp before the change?

Thanks in advance for your time with clarifications.

Eagle, thanks very much for the trial and the feedback. These interactive threads are the way this site prospers. Info, debate and discussion motivate people to try new things. Ultimately, Audiogon hopes we try new things by purchasing the new or used equipment on this site, but at the end of the day our interraction with solid feedback is what I enjoy. Thanks to all who have contributed on this thread (so far).