Tube or solid state

I agree with the majority of opinion expressed here: tube/tube if possible. Of the many combinations I’ve used, it’s amazing how vintage circa 1960 tube gear can compete and often best modern gear. Challenges so many notions in this hobby. Current favorite combo: McIntosh C20 > Marantz 8B > high efficiency horns. Fisher 800c excels as does Citation I & II. Tube just rises to the top in my experience. 

Tube preamp for the sound and SS amp for the power and generally cooler running. (Class AB)

How about the hybrid McIntosh MC451?  Can anyone speak to its performance?

Tube/solid préamp. to Tube poweramp ( dac= tube)) Metronome Technologie - Daniël Hertz M6L - Mal Valve 2

Well designed equipment doesn't have the characteristics of either tube or solid state.  Good equipment is neutral.  So it doesn't which type of component is in what position in the chain.  

I happen to have a hybrid phono stage, a tube preamp and solid state amps.  None of those components have any characteristic "sound."