what is it like to mix tube and solid..

I've had both very good and not so good experiences with a tube pre amp and a solid state power amp. The main thing to watch out for is that many tube pre amps have a rather high output impedance and some solid state power amps have a low input impedance. In my not-so-good case, the mid-range was actually unbelievably good, but the top to bottom balance was off. Since the Classe's appear to have about a 75k ohm input impedance, you should be safe.

Had a Counterpoint 3000 preamp a few years ago and used it with a Counterpoint ,Levinson and Bryston amps and it worked fine with all of them.Keep on truckin,Bob

I've had excellent results with a ss pre pushing a tube amp. I've found this combo has great synergy, with the appropriate pre, lending a little detail and bass depth and tautness while not detracting form the harmonics of the amp. So I guess I'm a "solid state on top" kinda guy. I guess when I get older, it's possible I may become a "tube on top" guy. But then again, theres always Viagra......

I run a SS pre with a tube amp. This was my approach. I found a SS pre within my budget that sounded transparent to me. Then I played with different tube complements in my amp to achieve the tonal characteristics I wanted.

I have had much success (sound wise) using tube pre-amps with s.s. power amps. Combinations like the ARC LS-16 with the 100.2, or the CJ 17 with the 2250 or 2500 are good
current model choices, or various used combos. Much would
depend on your front-end and speakers,....but the tube pre
with high-current s.s. power..work well with loads that need plenty of current...ie: Maggies, Martin Logan..etc.