To amp or preamp?

I've never seen or heard them, I surely would enjoy a listen.

A quick search gave me OEM site, and Stereophile Review, ...

You mentioned speaker detail, I thought I would pass on this comment about the tweeters narrow vertical dispersion, some people raising the back of the speakers a bit to direct the tweeter to their seated ear height.

FLOOR LOUDSPEAKER REVIEWSGoldenEar Technology Triton One loudspeaker 

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COMMENTSSo it's true!Submitted by goodfellas27 on February 4, 2015 - 12:59pm

I have read a number of comments from listeners/reviewers who found the dispersion of the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter (HVFR) to be quite limited. CNET observed " I did note some treble softening when I stood up; so it appears that the tweeter's vertical dispersion is limited."

You have the same problem "the tweeter axes fired somewhat over my head."

I am surprise that a 5K speaker have such limitation; a poorly design choice.

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Re: So it's trueSubmitted by John Atkinson on February 4, 2015 - 4:57pm

goodfellas27 wrote: CNET observed " I did note some treble softening when I stood up; so it appears that the tweeter's vertical dispersion is limited."

You have the same problem "the tweeter axes fired somewhat over my head."

Look at the measurements. Yes, the tweeter's output falls more than 5 degrees above axis but as the tweeter is already 40" from the floor, this is not an issue. As Bob Deutsch said, the back of the speaker can easily be raised slightly for those whose ears are lower than 40".

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

Your speakers are ideal to try tube amps, that complicates your options doesn't it.

I had an older McIntosh SS pair: Amp: MC2250 (tested accurate to 305 wpc); Pre-Amp: C28

I sold them, went to McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp mx110z; Cayin Integrated Tube Amp A88T. 

Prior SS pair were essentially invisible. I prefer the tube units, as do all my audiophile friends and others less involved with musical reproduction variations. 

My prior TT had an optional built-in phono preamp, and surprisingly I preferred it to the C28's phono. 

Changing to mx110z McIntosh Tube tuner/preamp, I definitely prefer/love it's phono. My first MC cartridge, I chose to use a SUT to retain the use of the mx110z's phono stage.

Your C48 Preamp is certainly full of inputs, including digital (I know nothing about digital), and features galore, it would be hard to part with, but ...

Prior to my change, I had shootouts between SS 305 wpc; 35 wpc tube receiver; 30 wpc tube mono-blocks. (3 sets speaker wires to banana plugs at speakers). The tube mono-blocks always won. Same listening sessions, same music, LP always beat CD, Reel to Reel tape always beat LP.  

@millercarbon thanks for taking the time to offer your feedback. Informed and interesting takes. Millercarbon you’ve got me thinking about an integrated. A McIntosh integrated was my first audiophile amp. I went on to try separates cause at the time of my learning curve I thought separates were always better than integrated. However, you make some good points on investment value regarding saving money on interconnects, power cords, etc. As a guitar player, tube amps are the way to go for most good players. For audio gear, I’ve leaned toward SS cause my listening sessions usually aren’t that long and don’t want to wait for the tubes to get all fired up before the amp sound it’s best. Also, what about the cost of tubes and rolling them, etc? That’s an ongoing expense to factor. I did look at the video link you shared. The Raven owner seemed committed to quality. I had never heard of Raven before. How long have they been in business? Their website is frustrating. I can’t get any product detail on their items. Also, the owner in the video says the company is in Texas but the website says they’re based in Louisiana? Also, their amps are listed at mostly 20 watts. Seems kind of low and concerned about enough power. What does they equal to SS? Anyhow, I’m open to retooling everything right now from my amp to speakers. Any other recommendations on integrated’s are welcome as with preamps. 

@elliottbnewcombjr thanks for your feedback. Seems like we have two approaches so far, one for integrated and you toward separates, especially with tube mono blocks. I would consider that option but does sound like more expense involved with all the accessories but it’s something I’m curious about along with other power amps. 
My new to me Audible Illusions L3A preamp is waiting for me at FedEx. I’m eager to give it a listen and A/B it with my C48. 
I hear what you’re saying about the tweeter dispersion on the GE’s. To my ears that’s seems to be the case. But as noted in another thread, I don’t have my GE’s set up correctly and need to make some adjustments with placement, listening distance and speaker run to give them a fair opportunity to do their thing. 

Well, getting the speakers/tweeters in best location/height is important before changing equipment.