Which SS preamps will compete w/ tubes?

Yes!! A tube preamp is a must with a SS amp if you want texture and musicality. For $2500 and under you have a wide array of choices, c-j Premiere 14 can be found for around 2K used, and BAT pre's seem to be popular as well and offer a lot of flexibility. And don't let tube rolling scare you, a well designed tube pre will sound great with it's stock tubes, and you have the option of rolling later if you want to experiment and have some fun, and isn't that what this hobby is all about? Happy listening!

Well put Jond, I agree completely, it seems confusing now but it will be great sound when its in your home. I was skeptical about tubes at first and now I won't ever go back, I have never really experimented with tubes, just when they need replacement(you will know, trust me) search for a half an hour and order a matched set of something better then you had before and when you install them you'll wonder why you didn't do it a long time ago. Enjoy ~Tim

I sold a Cary tube pre in favor of a Pass Aleph P & haven't looked back. Lower noise floor, better imaging & most importantly, more musical. No "tube like" sounds for me, just "musical" sounds.

I was sold on the idea of running a tube pre w/SS amp & had that configuration for almost 15 years. Now I have all SS.

This is what I prefer & like so if there are any diehard tube fans that wish to comment on my post please begin with Happy Fathers Day. Thank you & Happy Fathers Day!