going from tube preamp to solid state

I’m a tube lover from way back. I usually have both,  a tube pre and SS one. The thing is having them both was a good thing because eventually I sold the tube unit and kept the Spectral. I just found my self using the SS more.  It was so different than tubes that I got to see a different perspective on the music and liked it. That being said I still miss some of the things that tubes did and plan to have both again. Only this time I’m stepping up to a better quality tube pre than before. Still can’t let my Spectral go though it’s very good. One of the newer ones but  maybe a little over the budget you mentioned. I think SS can excel over tubes but it won’t be cheap. In the $5000 range tubes may be the best bet. 

I have owned a dozen preamps over the last fifty years. My objective was always to improve the sound of my system with the next purchase.
 

I suspect primarily because of cost my first preamps were solid state… but for the last twenty years or so my preamps have been tubed. This is because as I moved up (always up, never sideways) the best sounding preamps for the money are tubed.

So, I don’t think it is simply a question of tubed vs ss. It is a question of what price range you are in. I would say that if you are looking at high end products… say in the $5K to $25K… tube products are likely to sound better. More natural and musical.

Also, for use to be helpful, if you would put some quick photos and your components under your UsrID… under virtual systems, we can be tremendously more helpful. Lots of times a question comes in about a piece of equipment, but the answer is about how your system is set up or your venue. Very helpful.

If you liked the 12AX tubes, you might like the Quicksilver Linestage. Much more straight ahead sound (less tubey) than 6SN7 but still with great intimacy, soundstage, and tonal straightforwardness. I have a modded/upgraded one (Mundorf, VCAPS) and I'll be listing it for sale soon.

I agree the best for the money are definitely tubes. Given equal cost take the tube route. Cost no object SS,  but it will still come down to personal preference,  I like both for different reasons. 

Not all preamps are created equal...tube or SS.  What tube preamp do you have, and which SS preamp are you considering?