Tube Pre and SS Power? Or the reverse?

If it must be a mix, tube pre, always. 

I'm a huge fan of the mix, by the way, and find that almost every speaker benefits from the ahem, enhancements (colorations) of the tube pre and a stiff  SS amplifier. 

Of course, quality matters a great deal, but this rule has never let me down.

For your large room, I'd recommend going for the tube pre and an MC462 amp.

I have in my large room with a C2700 with an MC462 and it is a GREAT combination. I am using Volti Rivals with a pair of REL Carbon Special subs. I like the C2700 pre slightly more than the new C2800 for tone as I had one for a short while.

My second system in my office is an MA352, paired to a D150 DAC and it produces amazing sound for much less money.  Sure it would fill a pretty large room, but the C2700/MC462 can do pretty much everything you ask it to.

You never know until you try.

In my living room, I have a C50 -> MC275 -> B&W 805D3.

In my office, I built all components save the DAC.  Pass B1K pre -> (either FirstWatt Aleph-J or Elekit TU-8900) -> ZU DW6.

I live in an apartment, so I have to take it easy with listening levels. 

In the living room, I certainly don't need more power; and the 805's deliver adequate dynamics.  There's not much "tube magic" going on there; and I've often wondered if I would have been better off going with a tube pre and SS power.  I think doing so, focusing on non-niche SS amps (like my Aleph-J clone), provides compatibility with a much wider range of speakers.  Some designs are difficult to drive, and you may need an amp that can deliver sufficient current.

In the office, I've only had the current set of components in place for a couple of months; and I can't decide which amp I like more.  I don't view this as pure hi-fi, though; because all the components are designed with a warmer, deeper midrange.  Vocals and brass are holographic through either amp; but more-so through the 8900.  Aleph doesn't disappoint in the mids, and offers some lower frequency dynamics that don't come across in the same way through the 8900.  The B1K uses a Korg NuTube for triode as gain - so it's a different kind of tube pre.

I'm very interested to hear what something like the hybrid MA352 sounds like; though, I'm not likely to swap out any of the McIntosh gear any time soon.  It wouldn't make much sense while my listening levels are limited.

Good luck on your search!

I'll throw in another vote for tube pre and SS amp/amps. Best combination I've had in over 50 years of audiophoolery. 

I'm running an ARC Ref6 and Pass amps.  The REF6 throws a huge sound stage

and the Pass amps are very warm, they never come out of Class A.  I think its the

best of both worlds and its my end-game system.  Its nice to be done!  

Good luck with your decision.  Let us know.

Regards,

barts