Tube preamp for SS amp

Hi Chad,
You ask good questions that are tough to answer. As you noted there are
many variables to consider with all things in audio. I'll give an admittedly
general impression based on personal listening encounters.
The 6H30 tube tends toward a leaner tone and body character. Some would
say neutral and accurate sound ( and call it "solid state like") . It
doesn't appeal to me as the sound is flatten and clinical, it isn't organic and
loses emotional communication.

If built -implemented to a high quality standard I'd rather have a 6sn7
based preamplifier, better sound, fuller and more realistic tonal color,
weigh and vibrancy. Just comes closer to my experience with live sound
compared to the 6H30 examples I've heard (which obviously isn't
everything out there).
I've also heard good sound with 12x7, 6922 based preamps as well.

My top choice is a preamp that uses DHT(directly heated triode) type tubes,
but that's just me.
Charles,

Depending on your budget you may want to consider the Atma-Sphere preamps, which btw include (I believe optionally) what is by all accounts that I have seen an excellent built-in high gain phono stage. My understanding is that they would have no problem driving any amplifier in existence. They are also fully differential, which would be complementary to your Pass amp. They use 6SN7 and 12AT7 tubes, and also 12AU7's in one model.

Regards,
-- Al

+1 for Charles1dad, we're on the same page.

Just to clarify, the input impedance of the amp should be at least 10x the output impedance of the preamp.

Tube preamps can have fairly high output impedances, e.g. 1.5 kohms. 10x this output impedance would require an input impedance of at least 15 kohms for your amp. That's a pretty low input impedance for an amp, but they are out there, Pass Labs for example.

Many SS amps have an input impedance of 47 kohms or higher and you should have no problem pairing a tube preamp with one of these amps.

Try to find a review with measurements of the tube preamp you are interested in because manufacturers give a nominal output impedance with their specs. The preamp may hit a significantly higher output impedance at certain frequencies.

This question comes up often and there are a number of threads on this subject you can browse for that will give you recommendations for specific combinations.

Thanks for all the feedback. Based on all the research I've done I'm leaning towards 6SN7 or the 6922. I have had my eye on the cj et3se however I'm not sold on the volume control that it uses (push button/remote) and I'm not sure the entry level classic 2se (both use a single 6922) is enough of a preamp (ie performance not features). Herron audio has a 6922 based pre that I may investigate. There is a used VTSP-1a/166 here on audiogon and a NOS VTSP-2.