So are you saying the QS tube preamplifier is working reasonably for yournow paired with your Odyssey solid state amplifier?
Doing some research on this the past weekend having gotten lucky with prior tube pre and SS amp combos along with tube amp combos, wondering what you might be experiencing. And, back to what jackd said, as you already know.
The QS preamp is a "low noise" line stage preamp with only 100 ohm output impedance, 18db gain. Your Odyssey amp apparently is more favorable when matched with preamps with no more than 14db gain. A notable output/impedance mismatch more than voltage. So, I guess I sorta see why you would be fishing for low gain tubes on the preamp side. Your preamp is more ideal for good low noise tube amps, single-ended or ultra linear. When ready, down the road, and pending on your speaker types and efficiency, maybe try a good pair of mono tube amps with your preamp. Its a lot of fun. Good luck. Look up impedance, matching too, not just voltage, gain.
https://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/lowering-impedance/
Doing some research on this the past weekend having gotten lucky with prior tube pre and SS amp combos along with tube amp combos, wondering what you might be experiencing. And, back to what jackd said, as you already know.
The QS preamp is a "low noise" line stage preamp with only 100 ohm output impedance, 18db gain. Your Odyssey amp apparently is more favorable when matched with preamps with no more than 14db gain. A notable output/impedance mismatch more than voltage. So, I guess I sorta see why you would be fishing for low gain tubes on the preamp side. Your preamp is more ideal for good low noise tube amps, single-ended or ultra linear. When ready, down the road, and pending on your speaker types and efficiency, maybe try a good pair of mono tube amps with your preamp. Its a lot of fun. Good luck. Look up impedance, matching too, not just voltage, gain.
https://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/lowering-impedance/