Cary Audio: Tube preamp (SLP-98) paired with (SA-200.2) solid state amplifier?

I've used the SPL-98 with a Levinson 336 and it was a great combination, assuming the 98 is the sound you're looking for.  It leans more toward the tubey end of the spectrum which is not necessarily a bad thing.  The extreme frequencies aren't the last word in resolution or impact, but the magic middle more than makes up for it if you're looking for that sort of sound.

You should also consider the SLP-05 if you can stretch the budget.  It's an absolutely stunning preamp.  I owned one and it was verrrrrry difficult to say goodbye to it.

Good luck with your decision, I can whole-heartedly recommend both of those Cary pre's.

98 does not have the dimensionality of the 05 from my a/b and trials.  98 is the more tubey of the two however. 

Received my SLP-98 (tube) preamplifier and SA-200.2 (solid state) amplifier. Only have about 60 hours on both so far with stock tubes in the 98. A birdie told me don’t listen to either seriously until you have at least 80-100 hours on them and optimally 200 hours to be real listening. Wow, that’s some break-in time. It’s a bit of a roller coaster right now listening to the sound change as both units break in. Keeping my fingers crossed I can achieve another level of sound stage depth with some tube rolling this weekend.

I've owned an SLP-98 for maybe 10 years now & have been very happy with it. Using it with a SS CJ MF2500A amp. Personally I wouldn't call the SLP-98 particularly "tubey" sounding. Depends on what other preamps you're comparing it to of course.

I'd be interested in how it works out for you, with tube rolling, etc.

You need to do "serious listening" (furrowed brow, flop sweat from anxiety generated by the mystery of exactly when it will break in) anyway to really enjoy the exact point when the stuff finally breaks through to sounding  settled, otherwise how will you know?