Tube Pre/Phono with S/S Power.

[JollyJeweller]

As some of you know, I got shot of all my S/S gear recently, Tom Evans Pre & Phono and a Chord power amp, and plunged into toobz in the shape of a Luxman SQ38U integrated.
This is a great amp, excellent sound , detail , build quality etc.
However, when I need to be a bit of a hooligan, the valves leave me feeling a bit lacking at times, just don't have the attack you need for some Zepp or Pumpkins.
I've now , when I'm feeling this need for some grunt, hooked up a solid state power amp from the pre out of the lux.
I'm really liking this combo, the lux valve phono/pre gives me detail and soundstage, the s/s power amp provides the slam and attack.
I think there are a few integrated amps out there that use this combo as standard?

[crofk]

Hey JJ
I don't know about the integrateds but I have run the tube pre with a SS amp on several occasions (usually when the tube amp is being worked on). I really like the sound on some albums as you point out. Like you said has a little more slam and attack. Plus it just adds a different sound to SS equipment with the tube pre on it.

Enjoy

kc

[Boukman]

Or use a Croft series 7 power amp with a tube pre. It has tube input and an SS output stage. A hybrid. I like it

[Dr Pan K]

i have both a SET tube amp and a solid (fets) power amp, combined with tube phono stage.

the tube phono+ ss power is excellent. u get melody + power. only thing to consider is the speaker matching

what are y speakers, do u intend changing any time in the near future ?

[vinny]

I run a vintage stock marantz 7c to (2) onkyo m504 ss amps. Bi amped to paradigm studio100 v.5's
Its awesome

[dlaloum]

I always lusted after the Mesa Baron power amp.... only tube amp other than the Quads I have lusted after...

Apparently it was a tube amp that could "kick".... so there are some around that do.

Not one you see around a lot... (maybe it wasn't "tubey" enough?)