Tube newbie, Audio Research questions?

I am thinking of adding a tube pre (AR?) with the Krell amps and going from there. That may be a solution. I have heard good things about the AR ref 2 mk II. Any thoughts?

The Hovland is a great match to Krell amps in my experience.

Audio research has always been excellent gear, and the manufacturer backs its products.
There are always small cottage industry companies which claim to be magical, but I think that is part of the lust we have as we search for the Grail.
If you own Krell, the AR gear is definitely a step forward IMHO, based on many hours of experience with both. Krell sounds almost industrial, versus musical, again IMHO. If you want real questions about products call Dave Gordon, Sales Manager at AR, and tell him Larry Staples told you to call. He is an old friend and a great guy who really shoots straight.
Best Regards, and good luck in your search.
Larry R. Staples

Another response to this reaction you gave about mixing gear. In other incarnations of my life I used great tubed preamps with solid state amps. That can be the best of both worlds in some cases, and is a function of input/output compatability. Ask Dave Gordon, as I mentioned earlier, and he can give you the true skinny.
Best.
Larry R. Staples

I have Wp 7s on a VT 100 MK II fed by PS Audio Powerplant 600 w/MW II. It's big and clean. Some say one of the best tube amps. I listen at about 85db and the volume knob rarely above 9AM... 10AM would give 90-95db on some CDs. Don't know 'taper' of the pot behind the knob, but there seems to be plenty of there there even if a logarithmic taper wired for max action early in turn.

Solid State gives greater concussion on bass. Tubes are warmer. Find a dealer if you can... they have many dealers and will demo for you.

Good luck!