Any point in adding tube preamp to SS integrated?

IMHO, Re the probability of the addition of a pre-amp adding extra gain and creating a gain overload, consider that the VC on the CAP would attenuate the gain from the tube pre-amp just as it would any other source - the worst thing that would likely happen would be you would lose a lot of the flexibility of the VC on the CAP.

A potential mismatch could occur if the tube pre-amp has a high output impedence as many do, but considering what you are doing it might well be benign. I wouldn't let the gain issue stop me for a moment.

However, as I indicated earlier, I don't think you will get real 'tube magic' anymore with this addition than you did with your buffer (a conclusion you may already have reached). But you bend the tone provided that the pre-amp you use benefits from using tubes which have greatly varying sound (like 12AX7's) and are cheap. I mention this only because I find a lot of folks think 'tube magic' has something to do with mid-range or lower mid-range warmth, high frequency 'sparkle' and a lot of other tonal issues, as opposed to spatial, liquidity, and proper decay issues which is where I think tubes can excel and SS often falls short.

FWIW.

The Classe' integrated is a fine piece of gear.... however if you want tube majic... sell the Classe' and get a true tube integrated like Manley... uses EL84 output tube and can be oerated in triode mode as well a ultralinier. Lots of tube majic there at a very reasonable price. There other good choices too. I would spend some time learning about tubes and the way they sound before making a choice.

Good Luck

In my experience it will take a little of the digital edge off things but it is far from giving you "tube magic". For that you really need at minimum a tube amp and preferably an all tube system. A SET system is even better.

Thank you Al. You have given me something to think about. Perhaps I will still try a tuber preamp with the CAP 101 integrated some day for fun.