Tube and SS pairs

What I learned is that there wasn't an ideal choice; there is an  overabundance of terrific gear; the options and pairings really are endless; and final choices (imperfect though they are) have to be made.

Yep, unfortunately nothing, absolutely nothing, replaces auditioning; especially auditioning a component in our rigs. As much as we would like, because it’s easy and involves little effort, we can only believe little if anything, we read. What we can do, is add what we read to our knowledge base and continue building that, until a personal experience proves our tentative conclusions. But until we find someone with our exact same system and we know that our audio priorities are similar to theirs, making conclusions, especially buying ones, isn’t recommended. But unfortunately because of logistics, it’s understood that buying unheard, can't be prevented.  

If an audio store isn't nearby, attending an audio show (albeit not great conditions, nor easy to judge what a specific component is doing in the chain), provides a highly recommended learning experience.  

As a long-term (read old) audiophile, I can't tell you how many times my preconceived ideas about brands, component types (ss, vs tubes, analogue vs digital, digital direct to amp vs pre-amp to amp, cones & domes vs panels vs horns vs open baffles etc.) have been modified, crushed etc.... Thus, with all things audio (and life in general) one should always try to maintain an open mind. If that is done, surprises and forehead slaps abound and great finds and experiences will be the result; these will be in place until another surprise avails itself and we again learn and decide to move on…and so it goes.

I'll limit my answers to the question at hand.*

Typically ss pres to tube amps will better match sensitivities.

Typically ss pres to tube amps will better match impedances.

YMMV!!!

*The matching of ss or tube amplification to speakers is typically more important!