Tube Amp or Tube Pre Amp

As noted, tube amps are considerably more expensive to keep up (and in power consumption) than tube preamps. Another factor is that tube amps usually to have higher output impedance (lower damping factor), which means that system matching is more important, because the actual frequency response you hear will be more influenced by the impedance curve of your speakers.

As an alternative to a tube amp, you might consider trying a modern SS amp made by a tube manufacturer. I'm thinking in particular of the Class D amps made by Atma-Sphere.

I recently added an Octave Jubilee preamp to my system and its the best preamp I've ever heard, a superb product in my opinion. Adding a tube amp would be too much for me-the tube amps I've heard-a few- are fine well built components, but don't really do it for me. The additional cost of operation and bother wouldn't be worth it for me, and my next move will be to upgrade my amp with SS. For me, a tube or hybrid preamp and SS amp strikes the right balance. Not a bad plan to start with a tube or hybrid pre and if you find yourself wanting more "tubey", go from there. Your ears may be different-its easy to recommend what we have-self affirmation-but your experience may be far different from mine and I don't think there are any absolutes other than what sounds good to your ears in your room.

Good luck!

I'm using a BAT VK-80 Tube Preamp with a CODA #8 solid state amp. I considered getting an all-Tube Amp but decided against it. The downside is higher power tube amps are not cheap. Also consider they get very hot and have expensive power tubes used in them. With this being said my decision would be highly dependent on the types of speakers I would be using. I'm very happy with the preamp/amp combo I'm using now but it's possible that could change.

What is your budget for a tube preamp or amp? 

go all the way - Tube Amp with tube preamp