I'm thinking of getting into tubes, what do you

Don't worry about mixing and matching tube and solid-state.Preamp output impedance should be low,amp input/high {40-100K}.You should be fine.

Agree w/Tpsonic, but generally accepted wisdom is that ss power amp w/tube preamp is better way to go than the opposite. However, many all tube combos will sound best.
The key is the amp/speaker combination. No advice on amps is useful, unless it considers what speaker will be used.

Spencer

Thank you Tpsonic and Spencer. At one time I had Krell monoblocks and I was told that if I was going to use a tube preamp, I should send the amps in to get the transformer taps changed (?). Anyway, I've listed a want ad for a pair of VAC PA 160 mk IIs. I like the reputation, style and high power of these units because I have B&W 801 Matrix series 3 loudspeakers. Even though they are large, I'm using them in a small to medium space in a nearfield (about a 7 foot triangle) listening setup. And, I really like the style of the Audio Research SP 9, or SP 14 (I have a ReVox tape deck and a Studer reel to reel).

For just a little more,you can do better than the SP-9. I replaced mine with a BAT VK3i, which can be had for about $1K. Better all around.

I had a SP9-III, later a BAT vk5i, which was much better. Now using a Joule Electra LA-150, like that best of all. I think the more recent ARC preamps outperform the 9. They change models so frequently, that I have a tough time keeping them all straight.

A good friend uses a vk3i with his Mag 3.5s, BAT vk-500 ss amp, nice combo, too. Either the BAT or later ARCs would be good matches for you, IMHO.
Spencer