switching from Tubes to SS

No current SS amp sounds like the best tube amps in spatial qualities - and if you've got Pro Acs and run the Hydra why would you want less in that regard, unless strict convenience was your predominant concern (which doesn't sound like that's the situation here). For instance, the Pass SS single ended stuff does get the air "within" the sound source more correct, but the space around players is still less well treated, and particularly as you move deeper into the soundstage (its still nice stuff though). Yes, Pass would be a good SS choice, and no, never go from CD outs directly into amps as pre's are the fulcrum of any good harmonically nuanced system, but why don't you instead swap the First Sound pre for Joule's new LA150? Joule amps are thinner harmonically (even though OTL) than their pre's which are richer. Predictably, they mate well. I think that might settle you down from that stereo-buying-gremlin for a long while... Of course, assuming that is what you are after...

bRAD, i WENT FROM TUBED AMPS( MELOS AND THEN AUDIO RESEARCH) TO MY CURRENT jEFF ROWLAND. THE TUBE AMPS ARE A LITTLE MORE ROMANTIC. BUT THE ROWLAND HAS IT OVER THEM IN EVERY OTHER WAY. PLUS A LOT LESS HEAT, FAR MORE RELIABLE AND YOU NEVER WANDER WHERE YOU ARE ON THE TUBE LIFE CYCLE.
HOWEVER, IN THE PRE-AMP SECTION, TUBES ARE THE ONLY WAY TO GO IMHO.

I like a tube pre and a solid state amp

Arc D-200 or D-300 is quite revealing

Tom

Hi Brad, I love my Pass Labs 150's. Tubelike sound without the hastle of tubes. Please also listen to thier x-1 pre-amp. Even better.

Best of Luck

As I said above, I use a Pass X-150 with my Proacs, sometimes with a First Sound and sometimes with a Placette. I also have a CJ 11a amp that I play with from time to time. It has wonderful bloom and a huge sound stage, but I always return to the Pass. Ultimately, the CJ sounds rolled on top, slightly muddy (cloudy might be a better word) and the Pass gives me focus and clarity and resolution, which is what I hear in live music. It's a bit "buttoned down" compared to the CJ, but I can live with that. For the life of me, based on what I've tried in my system, I can't understand all the unbridled enthusiasm everyone has for tube amps.