Tube Vs. SS Preamps

I think that the classic era tube preamps definitely coloured the music albeit in a way many liked, but most modern tube preamps tend to be uncoloured in that way.  In the CJ line up, the clouration was obvious in the old PV9  but is absent in the Premier 14 I now use.

I’ve changed amplifiers, solid state as well as tube over the years and what has lasted in my system is the Cary Audio SLP-05 with the Ultimate Upgrade and Cardis Wiring. Hands down, the best I’ve owned and believe me I’ve owned some serious hi end SS & Tube Preamps. Check the reviews. Oh and if you want one of the baddest headphone amplifier from a preamp, look no further. Incredible with my Audeze LCD-4’s. 
 

https://www.stereophile.com/tubepreamps/906cary/index.html

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/is-the-cary-slp-05-still-relavant

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/cary-audio-slp-05-linestage-preamplifier-cad-211-fe-monoblock-amplifiers-tas-205-1

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/177419/tube-preamp-review-mcintosh-c500t-vs-cary-slp-05

https://www.hometheatershack.com/threads/cary-audio-slp-05-preamplifier-review.20652/

I like using my Chinese made tube preamp...its well built and sounds great.I have used both  SS preamps and tube ....phono preamps to...I like trying different pieces of equipment. 

Get yourself a BAT or Conrad Johnson tube pre. The difference is noticeable and pleasing. I’ll never go back to SS exclusively. I can’t believe you never sampled tubes in 25 years. But you don’t know what you’ve been missing. 

For the moment I’m back on full tube. Tube preamp for me adds a lot of body ss is lacking although I’ve never had what you might call a “high end “ preamp. 
 

Ive dabbled with tube pre and ss amp along with ss pre amd tube amp. I found most of the magic resides with the preamp tubes. The ss pre with tube amp did not sound good at all. Like bad. Ymmv.