Tube Pre and SS Power? Or the reverse?

The traditional approach — tube preamp paired with a solid-state power amp or monoblocks — is generally better. The reasons are twofold: a more linear output stage and improved impedance matching and control over the speakers.

A little late to the party OP ... 

I too have tube pre (Herron) with SS Amp (Odyssey Kismet)

Best gear I have ever put together!

Good luck

Most here say that a tube pre and a SS power is the way to go.  The reason I hesitate is that the McIntosh dealer said to do the opposite.  He says to get the C49 SS preamp and the MC275 tube power.  

He says the C2800/MC462 is a great combo but definitely more expensive and may not produce as noticeable difference compared to a tube power amp (MC275). 

I'm also going with the assumption that the upgrade will even be worth it.  I love my Mac MA352, but people say I "need more power" because the Revel Studios are large, plus I have 2 subs and a big room.  All solid state components sound too harsh for me and sometimes even hurt my ears with too much detail.  I'm hoping the ss/tube combo will give me a bit more detail while keeping the "warm" sound I like.  But again... its an assumption.  

It seems like there's no way to tell without buying the components, compare to what i have,  and then returning them if they don't sound like I hope

Iʻm a fan of vintage gear.  Iʻd do a tube preamp and a solid state preamp.  Tube preamps I like are the classic Mac C22  along with a Sumo Andromeda power amp.  Iʻve always liked the sound of MOSFET amps from that era.

As I mentioned earlier, I have a C53 and a version VI MC275. I also use my C53 with a vintage MC240 which definitely delivers serious tubey goodness. I love my 275, but it swings more to the clinical side in my opinion. If old school tube sound is what you're looking for, maybe a tube preamp would be a better match with the 275.