Agree, but who said one is better than the other? Isn't everyone just stating what they have or have experience with? No doubt when you start spending this kind of money there are many great SS preamps. I came real close to buying a Pass XP10 which is a fine piece. For 10K I'm sure the XP20 and other SS preamps in that range are to die for. Funny how everyone describes these great SS preamps, they often refer to how close it sounds like tubes... same with amps. Best bet is listen before you buy, and if that's not an option talk with the designer and chances are they will sale to you direct and refund you if you don't like their product.
There's both great tube and SS amps as well, but for my money and taste I prefer SS. I enjoy tube amps a lot and have heard a ton and have owned them as well. I personally don't want to mess with the cost and maintenance of retubing an amp. For the most part; retubing a preamp isn't too costly and tube life is far greater.
Everything listed on this post have been great options and I bet most of these companies, when you call the owner is probably the one answering the phone. You'll have to eat some shipping cost but I'd call them and demo the ones that interest you and see what happens from there.
Good luck
There's both great tube and SS amps as well, but for my money and taste I prefer SS. I enjoy tube amps a lot and have heard a ton and have owned them as well. I personally don't want to mess with the cost and maintenance of retubing an amp. For the most part; retubing a preamp isn't too costly and tube life is far greater.
Everything listed on this post have been great options and I bet most of these companies, when you call the owner is probably the one answering the phone. You'll have to eat some shipping cost but I'd call them and demo the ones that interest you and see what happens from there.
Good luck