Recommend a Tube Pre & SS Amp Combo

Hi Juggernaut,

I really like the latest CJ preamps a lot. i am biased having owned 3 diff CJ amps consecutively for over 12 years. But they do have theater loops, are made in North America and warmer sound than lean as you seek.

On the SS side, i would suggest for ultimate SS power made in America: Boulder is probably my favorite, but you [may]have to go class A to get a natural level of tonality that you seek, as i am told that the Pure class A boulders tend to have purer tonality (ie warm). Though warm is not a typicaly word used with Boulder, i have heard their Class A stuff and was surprised to find it neutral but so pure that i was quite happy to listen.

There is also Clayton Audio. Made in America, pure Class A all the way (no A/B)...very high powered and a lot less costly than Boulder, Krell, ML, etc.

good luck and hope that is helpful. pls keep us posted.

Do you need your preamp to be a linestage or full function (including phono stage)? In either scenario, I would check out McIntosh, Aesthetix and Audio Research. All three have excellent preamps (some with phono stages) and SS amps. McIntosh will be the "warmest" sounding and Audio Research the least. Good luck.

What have you heard that you liked so far?

You might want to consider BAT. Plenty of tubed preamps and SS amps to choose from in the used market and many of their preamps are upgradeable and accept a phono board if you're into that. Made in America and great support for older products as well as new. If you call BAT with a question it is likely you'll be transferred right to Victor, the "V" in all their model numbers. His designs are known generally for a fuller, sometimes darker sound rather than bright or lean. I'm using a tubed pre/SS amp combo in the form of his VK300xSE integrated amp and I'm very happy.