Dave, I disagree with your assertion that a SS pre and tube amp is "backwards". It was one of my best combinations. I went from a tube pre + tube amp to SS pre + SS amp. I couldn't believe the difference! (And the SS pre cost a lot less than the tube pre, to boot.) The bass was MUCH better, and so were the dynamics. That doesn't support your theory that the preamp is all about microdynamics and the poweramp is all about macrodynamics. In fact, I've learned just how tremendously preamps can influence the sound; indeed, in my system, the preamp is the most volatile part of the system, as I've gone through a number of preamps in the past few years.
Don't be afraid to try the "backwards" method; it has the potential to work very well.
Michael
Don't be afraid to try the "backwards" method; it has the potential to work very well.
Michael