Tube Pre-Amp, vs Solid State with Tone Controls/EQ to take edge off the top end?

I use a Mac tube pre with tone controls with a Mac solid state amp = Heaven. When I used to sell Infinity back in the late 70’s, the hotter sounding EMIM midrange and EMIT tweeter could take your ears off.

I have always used a tube pre with solid state amplification. I think it’s the best of both.

@stereo5 The idea of a tube pre-amp with a solid state amp does make a lot of logical sense to me. Could be the direction I head.

I’m pretty close to what I want, so obviously always that fear of selling off the pass and regretting it. But, what you are doing makes a lot of sense. I do like deep, tight, punchy bass so giving up a solid state power amp worries me a bit.

That said, a few years back I tried a McIntosh amp with some JBL speakers (it was either a 302 or 352), I ended up taking it back as I was unimpressed with the bass response.  I was super bummed as I've always wanted to own Mcintosh.  Another brand I want to try is Balanced Audio Technology.  But, I do really like this 250.8 in particular.  Wondering if something like an ARC pre-amp would pair nicely?


@steakster, I’m fortunate in that my room is fully treated. But agree it makes a huge difference. I was playing around with bass traps today and had pulled them from the front of my room and just ran the rear ones. Ended up putting them back.

I'd like to ever so slightly de-tune the top end on my speaker. Just take it down a slight bit (usually only when above 90db)

There are tube preamps that can sound like SS based on their design. They can have a hard top-end and extended highs, or they may have fast rectification and lack the tube qualities to pair with your amp.
   So you'll need to choose wisely or audition. But I agree to try using a tube preamp.

dep14, I do use a tubed pre, but if all you really want to do is to take a little off the top end, I wouldn't think twice about getting the Schitt Loki for $149.  I have not used it but other members here have and like it.  I have the little Sys volume control and its fine for its intended use.