Phono/preamp/amp chain. One of them tube the others SS. Which one?

Inna, I'll go with VAC anyway my bankroll will allow; it's most certainly my favorite.

Orpheus10, good choice. Yeah, VAC and Lamm - top level.

I will also consider VAC all tube integrated.
How would VAC preamp work with Rowland 8T?

@inna ,

I'm running a VAC 160iSE right now, very nice.

I would think that a VAC preamp would work well with the 8T. The Model 8's 36K input impedance should be plenty high enough for the VAC preamp.

I have owned a couple of VAC preamps, and I owned a Model 2 and Model 6 monoblocks, though not all at the same time. I am a big fan of Kevin Hayes work, VAC is some of the best gear out there.
As for JRDG, I felt that the Model 2/6/8/9 amps were his best work. Earlier designs were a bit too dark for me, latter amps were a bit too sterile. IMHO, JRDG hit the sweet spot with the Model 2/6/8/9 amps.

I've lusted after that big Model 8 for many years now. Sadly, now that it has dropped down into my price range, I no longer desire to struggle with mammoth amplifiers anymore. I'm getting too old for this sh!t. Haha!
Besides, I'm very happy with the 160i SE.

Jmcgrogan2, yes I remember that you got VAC integtated. What speakers do you use with it?
As for me, the older I get, still not too old, the more I want big amps, be it Rowland or Lamm or something else. But yeah, some modern integrateds, including your VAC, are enough for many set-ups. Still, nothing will beat great separates. The cost? Well, $4.5k for Rowland 8T and probably the same for Rowland or VAC preamp. Or, about $5k for Lamm tube preamp plus $6.5k for older hybrid monoblocks. I doubt that it would make sense to mix VAC and Lamm, but you never know. If they are electrically compatible.
But I am intrigued by Ypsilon amps that we were talking about in another thread. Too damn expensive, even the integrated.

I am running Reference 3A Grand Veena speakers, the original version with Murata supertweeter. Still can’t be beat for the $$$. I can afford to spend more on speakers, I just can’t seem to figure out why.

As for nothing beats great separates, you may be right, but you’ll have to pay a hefty price. Again, integrated amps are great bang for the buck. My VAC integrated lists for $14K, and easily beat the $15K of separates that I had prior to it. I’m sure I could top the VAC, but I’d probably be looking at a preamp and amp that list for at least $25-30K combined to do it.
Simplicity done right is hard to beat.

Yes, I went bigger and bigger with amps and speakers as I got older, to a point. The tipping point for me was about 7-8 years ago when I tore a bicep tendon moving a 125 pound amp around. Now I am looking to keep amps and speakers under 100 pounds, even lighter if possible.