Tubes vs SS preamp question....

I have tubes all the way - Rogue Audio M180 amps, Modwright LS 100 preamp, and Manley Chinook phono pre with Legacy Audio Focus 20/20 speakers.  Definitely not too much of a good thing (to me), but none of those components have a strong "tubey" sound (syrupy, colored, however you want to describe it).  

It all depends on what kind of sound you're after and how well the components match up together.

A common recommendation is to go SS amp with a tubed preamp to get the bass control of a SS amp and the tube goodness, leveraging the strengths of both.  I have another system with a class D amp and a tube preamp and it enjoy it also.

There are generalizations about what's "best", but no right or wrong, only what you find to be right for you. 

Perhaps someone who has that amp can chime in with a good preamp combination they have enjoyed, but that doesn't mean it will work for you in your listening space, with your speakers and other components. 

I like getting other people's suggestions and opinions, but they often vary wildly and at the end of the day I just try things and see what I like and build on that.

Thanks so much big_greg. Great input. Appreciated. I will definitely check out the Modwright too. 

J. 

I like tubes, but can one have too much of a good thing in a system???

The simple answer is no and the complex answer will start with 'no'  :)
A good thing in a system is a good thing and the more the better.

Ha! Love your answer!
Thanks, 
J

denjer1,

     I agree with both big_greg and atmosphere.  You like tubes so why not try all tubes first?  What matters is your opinion.

     If you're going to buy new, I'd suggest visiting local dealers and requesting an in-home loaner you can audition in your system.  The Bat VK-53SE tube pre might be a good match with your Bat amp.
      If you're buying used, I'd suggest buying a good quality unit that you can resell easily just in case.

Enjoy,
 Tim