Why did you lean one way or the other

tube DAC in the house that has an OTL output stage

@yysantabarbara OTL refers to 'Output TransformerLess' and so applies to 99 44/100ths of tube preamp and DAC outputs. 'OCL' might mean they are using an output transformer. 'OCL/OTL' would mean no output coupling cap or transformer (direct-coupled, like our preamps).

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I've told people for nearly 50 years if I could figure out how to get the same sound of tubes with solid state I'd do it in a heartbeat. It actually took about 5 years of research once I realized it was possible. So now I don't worry about a tube amp, although I do see tubes as fun, but in no way as musical as what I have now. 

This post has been an interesting read! And it's somewhat restored my faith that we CAN have civil conversations around here. Ahem... 

I've been playing with hi-fi for 50+ years. From my brother's hand-me-down Dynaco SCA-35 tube integrated to several SS integrateds. It wasn't until the 80's that I could afford a used ARC SP3-1A to go with a pair of Hafler DH-220s that'd I'd built. That setup kept me happy for years.

Then a few years ago, being a life long ARC fanboy, I stumbled on an SP11 Mk2. Wow, what a step up! Then came the VS-110. While it doesn't have the ultimate bottom end of the Haflers, that midrange and upper... Ooh-la-la! 

Within the next year we should be moved and I'll be able to set up my pop's Jadis gear. Can't wait for that! That said, I'm likely going to go bi-amp and use SS for the bottom end for that system. Thus will begin another hunt. 

Happy listening.

The only tube stereo gear I ever had was a Citation III-X tuner.  I've progressed through four SS preamps and 3 different SS amps.  Once I decided that dipole speakers were the way to go for my listening room, that eliminated the possibility of most tube amps.  Although I strictly relied on tubed guitar amps through that same period, I never wanted the extra expense, hassle and room temperature of having tubed monoblocks for my stereo system.  Climate change has made it necessary for me to install an air conditioner in my listening room, and I wouldn't want to use it more to compensate for the heat generated by tube amps.  My AB SS amps just get slightly warm.

Good stuff.

My personal journey: Been at this for over 50 years and first dabbled with a tube DAC and ARC tube pre-amp about 15 years ago, posting regular here ever since (so my journey is very well documented :^) ).   Was hesitant about tube power amps for the usual reasons, so I decided to go for broke with Class D at the time, Bel Canto ref1000m monoblocs.   That combo had a nice 10 year or so run. More recently, I decided to take the next step, first with a newer Ncore based Class D amp then late last year with a brand new GaN based design power amp and a Schitt Freya SS pre-amp to replace the ARC sp16 tube pre-amp.   That’s where I am currently....best place ever!   Still have the Ncore in a second system...also still very nice!   

As one member nicely summed-up "For me, the tube preamp defines the emotional color of the sound and a great SS amp delivers that uncolored to my speakers".

I went from a Cambridge SS to a McIntosh MA12000 integrated amplifier and the tubes up front really took music to another level.  It was more emotionally engaging. That almost changed when I sold the McIntosh and bought Accuphase separates. At first I was disappointed and lost the "magic" of the tubes. I hated myself for what I did.  But then as my system broke-in the music came to life and I find that emotional connection I had with my McIntosh.  Things improved even more when I added an Accuphase standalone DAC replacing the DAC card that slides into the preamplifier.  Yes there are times I miss the tubes but my Accuphase class A amplifier with Accuphase's preamplifier and DAC deliver a richer and smoother presentation which I'm really enjoying. So matching components is fundamental to SQ.

I see you have LaScala speakers.  I love my LaScala AL5. The tubes on the McIntosh helped tame the LaScala's exuberance. Likewise, my Accuphase A-48S Class-A amplifier smoothes this out and I'm getting a more refined sound.