Solid state; when would you use tubes?

When I added a turntable, I got a tube phono preamp and have been very pleased with that addition

Just a quick addendum on the absurd notion of letting the more limited selections of speakers dictate the type of system you choose: I would no more let the fact that there are only a few types of performance tires available for my large dual-sport motorcycle deter me from my strong preference for that particular bike, as I would let limited speaker selection determine what type of audio system I choose. The fact is the tires made for my bike work extraordinarily well since they are designed specifically for it and the applications it is used for, as many of the speakers (and there are many) designed for low-powered amplification do work superbly well in that application since they are often designed specifically with that in mind. Now if you happen to be in the crowd that insists that they have speakers that resemble public trash receptacles available among their selection, or those that look like toy soldiers beating drums, or need to know that you can make your own personal contribution to raping the rain forests of some specific exotic veneer so your friends can look on and nod in knowing admiration, well then I guess you don't need to go there, and I'd suggest vacationing and Fernando's Hideaway. But if you don't necessarily need your listening room to look like a state park picnic ground, or March of the Wooden Soldiers, or complement the burl wood on your Lamborghini’s dashboard, then do remain open to the world of various forms of low-powered amplification.

Marco

Hey Jax2 - you riding a Multistrada? Or a GS? I'm thinking about buying the Multi.

Can anyone tell me if they've had any luck adding tubes into a hi-end integrated setup.

Where in the foodchain did they go?

Just add a tube preamp for now, that way all your sources will benefit from tubes. Do your research as to which tube preamp will make a good match to your power amp. See what others have to say (Audiogon forums etc.), consult the amp's mfg for their recommendations. Note, the amount of money spent on a tube preamp doesn't guarantee a good match and or the desired outcome with your solid state power amp unless they are the same name brand. For example, CJ makes both ss & tube and they sound very good intermixed. Eventually you may even want to try/add a tube power amp as you familiarize yourself with tubes and the benefits of tube rolling.

Hey Jax2 - you riding a Multistrada? Or a GS? I'm thinking about buying the Multi.

Biomimetic - I ride an R1150GS. I ride off the pavement enough that the advantages are significant over the Duck, not to mention I enjoy servicing my own bike and, in a good year will put 10-12K miles on my bike. I've had two friends who've owned Multi-Strada's. Both said they are a blast on the street but are really not as competent off the tarmac, and are lacking in long-distance comfort (another aspect of riding I enjoy). One of those friends also owns an R1150GS and wouldn't think of substituting one for the other. If he had to own one bike it would be the GS. The other, who is primarily a street rider, ended up selling his after owning it only a few months. YMMV. They sure look and sound great. Regardless, they are different animals. The MS is more of an urban asault vehicle. Cast wheels, fancy cateye headlights and lower ground clearence will not hold up well to the punishment of dirt roads...IMO. The GS is more of an all-purpose, Swiss Army Knife of bikes. Mind you it is not a trail-bike, but it does pretty darn well on challenging terrain depending on your skill level. If you are doing mostly off-road, then I'd look to a lighter bike that is more suited to that purpose. This is my second GS (my first was an R1100GS). The R12GS Adventurer looks like a nice choice. Rode and R12GS and couldn't find enough advantages to trade-in, and don't like the linked braking system (I think the Adventurer is available without it).

On your audio-related question - To add tubes to a high-end integrated (or any integrated, for that matter), you'd need to have an input that bypasses the preamp section to use a separate tube preamp, or a line-out that bypassed the amp to use an external tube amp. I wonder if there are any integrateds that have sections worthy of such isolation, as there usually is some compromise in squeezing both in one box. On the other hand, there are many nice tube as well as hybrid integrated amps out there to choose from.

Marco