tube preamp w/ solid state amp

I am using a McCormack DNA-125 and Manley Shrimp with no problems. Talked w/Steve McCormack prior to buying the Shrimp and he said there would be no problem mating the two but for the sensitive volume attenuator on the Manley which only allows me to turn up the pre to about twelve o'clock.

I run a tube pre and solid state amps with no issues. The pairing sounds really good. Also, no issues with the sequence of turning off amp and preamp.

Tube preamps can play more detail in a relaxed manner than their transistor counterparts. Once lost, you can't make up for it downstream so yes, a tube preamp is a good idea with a transistor amp.

Of course, I think a tube amplifier is a nice move too :)

I have been using ARC ref 1 with a krell with no problems.
The ARC ref has no DC leakage, because they use coupling capacitors to eliminate the issues. I have tried many different set ups and to tell you the truth nothing is more true than those 2 combinations. There are certain sound tracks that actually sound like the performers are in the room.This is my opinion.

Happy Listening...........