Tube Vs. SS Preamps

@fuzztone 's pithy reply is well stated imo

high level solid state is not fatiguing at all, if well matched through to the speakers

but top tier tube gear gives a degree of bloom, palpability, richness of tone, and expansiveness of imaging that can sometimes be elusive for all solid state systems

I’m 73. I started with tubes, went to SS, low powered SS Receiver, then powerful McIntosh SS Amp and SS Pre for inefficient speakers for a few years. Returned to tubes and efficient horn speakers, couldn’t be happier.

All along, I always had 30-35 wpc tubes set up as alternate.

Each and every ’listen-off’ I had here with friends, everybody picked LP over CD and Reel to Reel over LP. 

Each and every time everybody picked tubes over SS.

I sum it up as: analog gets the overtones ’right’.

I just noticed, you are highlighting your question toward Preamps.

I had McIntosh SS C28 Preamp, highly regarded by many. I much prefer my McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp mx110z to the C28 (or any prior Preamp).

mx110z’s MM Phono (2) is wonderful, I use a SUT for MC to keep using the mx110z MM Phono.

you also get McIntosh's Versatile Mode Switch, balance, loudness for low volume,  ...

If it died, even though they have gotten pricey, I would get another one without hesitation, ship it from seller directly to Audio Classics!

Typically there used (30 years ago and earlier) to be fairly large differences between the two camps. But they step by step converged closer to real music and to reflect more the designers intent as opposed to detailed but harsh versus warm and lacking detail. Of course it also depends on the price range. Inexpensive stuff is made with components chosen for cost and not sound quality.

However, there are still some residual differences in well implemented tube components versus well implemented solid state. My evidence is that over the last 50 years (starting with the preamp), slowly, one by one all of my equipment have become tubed and my system now sounds an order of magnitude better than in the past. There is a midrange bloom and authentic character to the bass I haven’t hears from solid state. My equipment imparts an emotional connection I have never been able to achieve otherwise.

On the other hand, if you are looking for the absolute last word in detail (minuscule difference) and slam, many people still like solid state. They also state not wanting to have to replace tubes (typically every 3,000 hours or more). My own theory is that some of slam is artificially created with a lean midrange and very fast transients SS amps can give you. But to me that robs you of some of the rhythm and pace (the emotional connection and musicality).

To me, the preamp is the most critical piece of equipment, and was my first to choose tubed... Audio Research... my preferred brand. You can see my systems by clicking on my ID.

@greg7 if you decide to try a tube preamp with your solid state amps, treat yourself to a nice one if you can.  One piece that never  gets rotated out is my triode 6SN7 based tube preamplifer. Works amazingly well and musical with SS or Tube amps.