Tube preamp vs Tube cd player

3) Tube CD player, Tube preamp, Tube amplifier.

I have the ss REGA Osiris amp and the REGA ISIS valve cdp
= marriage made in heaven.

"so in an ideal setup, which do you prefer?

1) "SS" cd player, tube preamp, "SS" poweramp
2) tube cd player, "ss" preamp, "SS" power amp"

This question really can't be answered. You're not taking into account the differences between similar components. For example, if you listen to 5 cd players, they will all sound different from each other. You need to look at actual products, not generic.

Try a tube CD or DAC. You probably won't go back. Less fatigue and more musical. Add NOS tubes even better. There is a reason tube output stage conversions are made for SS CD players. Not the other way around.

"Try a tube CD or DAC. You probably won't go back. Less fatigue and more musical."

Compared to what? Tubes don't guarantee anything. Like anything else, they have to be implemented properly or you can get bad sound, like any other design. If you are going to buy a tube product, you need to be able to tell the difference between a good design that happens to be tube, or a design that uses tubes to cover up problems. A good design is more important than just using tubes.

"There is a reason tube output stage conversions are made for SS CD players. Not the other way around."

Perfect example. The vast majority of the conversions are done to mass market digital gear. The tubes cover up the weak SS designs. I think the conversions are definitely better than stock units, but I feel a component that doesn't need that kind of help is much better. You don't see too many people sending out their DCS or Ayre or Wadia or other well made SS digital gear to be modified. It was made right the first time.