combination tube amp and ss preamp?

Problem with a tube amp, for a retired HS teacher anyway, is over time you spend more money on tubes than the amp cost.

B&W Diamond speakers have a warm sound already. You probably don't need to enhance the warmness with a tube amp.

Big B&W speakers prefer large high current solid state amp to control the bass and put it in order.

This is just a general understanding but individual taste does dictate choices.

Problem with a tube amp, for a retired HS teacher anyway, is over time you spend more money on tubes than the amp cost.

That might take a few years or decades depending on the amp.

The best thing about a tube amp is that you get to buy all sorts of interesting tubes for it over the years which results in you becoming a partner in its performance, you seem smarter and better looking, and are happy forever no matter what. These are facts...if you buy tubes for a solid state amp they just sit there and get all dusty and sad...to sum up: Be happy forever or dusty and sad. It's your choice.

Its true. One's relationship with their tube amp has ample opportunity to grow. They are relatively needy compared to SS amps that for the most part just sit there and continue to do their thing, FBOFW. :^)