tube pre amp or tube amp

Unless you have deep pockets and can invest significant green in a high power tube amp or have more shallow pockets but have very efficient speakers that would not require a boat-anchor of an amp I would go tubes in the preamp.  My system has been that way for a few decades now and I would never go back!  The sweetness of tubes with the bass authority of solid state!

Wahoo, you have a great rack of gear. As I'm sure you know, the pre has a pretty big influence, so do you want an SS sound or tube presentation? However, with your level of investment, you could go anyway you want, just need to decide what you are trying to accomplish? I'm not sure what kind of outcome you want other than to try something new. Good luck Brother

Yeah, unclear what the OP wants to accomplish. I would probably try Lamm hybrid power amp. Lamm is first of all famous for its power amps. I would not replace VAC with Pass, maybe with another VAC. And I would certainly have and keep tube preamp.

Wahoo, I would do neither, you would get far better results upgrading to a much better digital front end. 

Your  ARC CD 9 is showing its age vs newer digital front ends which will uncover more information and present a more realistic soundstage.

You will be shocked at the overall improvment you allready have an excellent set of electronics.

Other things you can do to improve the system is to use Critical Mass Centerstage footers they difference they make is shocking, you will get far great image width, lower noise floor tighter bass and greater dynamics.

Our philosophy is to tackle the weak points in someones system. and your digital is five years out of date. 

You can go to a much better CD player, a CD player Dac, a pure Dac, you would be amazed at the improvements by adding a digital server and moving into modern streaming. 

You can always reach out to us if you want further information

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

I've always enjoyed a tube pre with ss amp combo. I run less efficient speakers so the ss amp makes it easier to drive them.