Tube Amp or Tube Pre Amp

For those of you who have experience with tubes, what would be your preference.

Tube Amp with tube preamp, Tube Amp with solid state preamp, or Solid state Amp with tube preamp

My system currently is Mcintosh MC352 Amp Solid State, Mcintosh C49 Pre Amp SS, Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers.

I want to try tubes so with my current set up should I go tube amp or tube preamp?

Thanks

referee110-18-2024 3:53pm

bolong Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 603 posts 10-19-2024 at 05:52pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Re: Primaluna EVO 400 Pre for Cornwalls. It should be noted that the rectifier tubes are late 50s Holland made Mullard GZ34’s with the metal base. A pair of these will set you back but well worth it in my experience. Also, the two gain tubes are vintage Amperex "Bugle Boy" 12au7’s. This combination of tubes takes the Primaluna to a whole new place. It can take any preamp set up for these tube categories to a whole new place.
referee1 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7 posts 10-19-2024 at 10:48pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I would like to be around 5k for the preamp so was thinking maybe a used Mac Mc 2700. I’m mostly streaming so a built in dac is preferred,
curiousjim Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,722 posts 10-20-2024 at 04:44pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Check out the BHK series preamp and amps from PS Audio. Both are Hybrid with tube front ends, so you can roll tubes til you find a combination that you love.