Tube vs. SS Dilemma


Hi there Audiogon Community
Need some serious help and don’t know who to talk to but you guys. I have been upgrading my system for the past year and a half now, selling and buying stuff. First I went the tube route, bought an Atlas Magnum Amp, Cary SLP 03 Tube Preamp, was dreaming the liquidy tube dream, was amazed at the upgrade from an old and tired hybrid amp I had. Sources: estoteric DV50 for cd and vinyl via a Lenco TT and Ear Phono. Mainly listen to jazz, classic rock and some bits of classical.
But got a hold of a Mark Levinson Preamp, a 380 model and had a spare Krell 250a amp, hook the esoteric cd player to this second setup and was just blown away, I always thought that my heart would always be glowing with tubes or at least a tube/ss setup, but man am I enjoying the SS turn, the bass carácter of the Krell is addictive.
So my question is: What is happening? Am I just shocked “temporarily” by the ML/Krell combo? Should I just wait for a while and do a second and third shootout between setups? Or the fact that the ML/Krell combo is much better – in terms of the models I have vs. the tube models – part of the reasons that explain the differences and should look for better tube amp/preamp before seriously comparing the two?
As soon as I listened to the ML/Krell combo, my first thought was to keep upgrading my system the ss way, instead of the tube route, but before I make drastic changes want to hear from you guys’ experience. I don’t want to make this a tube vs. ss question, therefore I hope the details of the inquiry help steer away broad answers in that regard.
Should add the speakers I’m using with all these setups: GoldenEar triton 2’s. Thanks in advance. I always enjoy reading the forum, but now I had to ask the question before declaring this a case of mild audiophile schizophrenia.
Thanks.
128x128musicgeorge11
Please forgive me for going a bit off topic here; I'd describe the McCormack amps as fairly neutral and extended, with deep, punchy, tight bass, a rather smooth liquid upper range and a somewhat forward presentation.
When I think of warm, I think of a downward tilting sound with rolled off high end, that leads towards a deep but soft to bloated bass, and a somewhat recessed presentation. That's not what I hear from the McCormack amps.
I just want to give an update for everybody who gave me sincere and patient advice on my dilemma, for me it is a dilemma, maybe for others it is a moot point, I already mentioned the reasons why.
But the thing is that I did some tube rolling in my Cary SLP 03 Preamplifier and installed 4 vintage Haltron Tubes, instead of the stock EH, Wow!!! I'm not missing the ML 380 in the setup as much, the Cary is still connected to the Krell and the GoldenEar Speakers with the Esoteric doing transport duties. I'm getting much of the benefits of the ML with some touch of tube delicacy, then if you add the benefits and joy of tube rolling, great stuff.
So again, thanks, specially to those who insisted I should try a Tube Preamp and SS Amp.
All the best guys.
Musicgeorge11,

Congrats! It's always great when the puzzle pieces finally come together.