SS preamp with tube amp

I'm not familiar with your Aerial speakers, but picking up on the 86dB spec. I never felt that I did my Thiel CS 3.6 speakers their justice due in trying to drive them with tubes, so also 86dB. They would have probably benefited from a fine 200w SS amp, for example.

Today, I have 300b mono blocks driving much more efficient speakers, and that's a happy mix. When I got the mono blocks I was stuck with an integrated tube amp without a preamp out. I dragged out my old Boulder L3AE line stage as a temporary solution. I had it recapped and it sounds great in my system. Someday, I'll upgrade to a fine tube line stage, but l'm not in any hurry. Just saying.
Kenny

Atmasphere,
You may have unraveled an issue that I'm experiencing. This refers to your statement about the quality of a solid state preamp for lower level detail. My main speakers want closed corners for reinforcement, so I got subs for fill-in. I had heard a knock off of my system at a buddy's place except he has closed corners plus a very fine tube line stage. The bass was highly focused and detailed. I don't get that level of detail and focus even with my subs, so you have me wondering if it isn't my SS line stage?
Kenny

Charles,
Good points. I don't want to hijack Greg's post, but I thought that the addition of open baffle subs, that want to be away from walls, would give me the low level detail. I'll have to see, because things are slowly improving as the subs are breaking in.
Kenny