I use an ARC Ref 2 and a BAT VK-P10 for my tube preamplification and switch between SS and tube power amps. The ARC Classic 150s and Mark Levinson 333 have different personalities. The SS works best with rock. The Eagles "Hotel California" as recorded live in the "Hell Freezes Over" CD is awesome with the SS amp. The base is incredible. The tube amp is no slouch with base, but it is better with classical music both male and female voices. It is also less fatiguing during LONG listening periods. I know I'm spoiled by such great equipment, but after 35 years in this hobby, I believe the answer depends on the listener's musical tastes. What I can agree with is the musicality of a tube based front end.
Mixing SS and Tubes
I'm thinking about getting into tubes and have read threads about mixing SS amps with tube preamps. What about the other way around? Are there any advantages (or disadvantages) with mixing a ss preamp with a tube amp? I currently have a MAC MA6450 which I was thinking of using for the preamp side and then getting a reasonable tube amp to play around with. If this is worthwhile, any suggestions for the tube amp (< $1000) would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Thanks!