If I'm looking for "Tube Sound", why would I put a Tube Pre in front of a SS amp?

Hey Finsup,

In broadly general terms, solid state amplifiers are the better choice for very difficult to drive speakers. Speakers with typically low impedances (4 Ohms) or that have extremely low impedance points, such as electrostatics, are usually better driven by a solid state amplifier. You may read members asking about whether speaker X or Y is "tube friendly" or not. This is why.

Martin Logan electrostatic speakers are classic examples where a tube pre and ss amp is a delicious combination.

A preamp typically has the greatest effect on your sound than any other component, so a tubed preamp upstream will impart at least some "tube character" to what the amp sends to your speakers.

You may want to look at this thread, as the subject gets flogged rather hard. :)

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/how-to-measure-current-in-an-amplifier

It can be very expensive to re-tube a high powered tube amp on a regular basis.  For some, heat is also an issue.

jond, really???