Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp?

Main: Audio Research LS-27 with Bryston 4BST3 running Sonus Faber Cremona M's

Office: McIntosh MA 252 (tube front end) Integrated running Chartwell LS3/5A's

My favorite combinations !

For years I used a tubed BAT VK30 preamp with a Bryston 4B SST amp, under the theory that it was the best of both worlds.  Prior to that, I had a Counterpoint hybrid amp and preamp, under the theory that hybrid was the best of both worlds.  I've now gone to all tubes with the BAT preamp and a pair of PrimaLuna mono-blocks, and I've come to believe that the "best of both worlds" theory is just an excuse for a compromise.  Before going to all tubes, I tried bypassing the preamp altogether but, surprisingly, it sounded harsh, so the preamp went back in.  Of course, the Bryston delivered far more power, but I don't notice any lack of power or lack of bass.  To the contrary, there is plenty of bass slam and texture, better midrange detail and transparency, easy, natural, extended highs and a difficult to describe but pleasant, musical quality to the sound.  

Right now,my system consists of an Aric Audio Unlimited tube pre,and a First Watt F5,driving a pair of Graham Chartwell LS3/5’s in a well treated 9x13’ room. To these ears,sounds like wonderful music. I also have a Prometheus TVC passive pre that I swap in from time to time. Right now,I’m really enjoying the distortion that tubes have to offer.  They make my soul smile. 

I personally love that combination. I am running a concert fidelity CF-080LXV2 with 2 Concert Fidelity 200-FX amps. The tubes are on the back of the pre-amplifier and accessible so it is designed for rolling in different tubes.