Tube preamp vs Tube cd player

"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.

Zd542,
You made some very good points.
I most often prefer tube over transistor alternatives in general but it all depends. Just adding tubes into the mix doesn't make everything better and solve all problems. Some SS components have better midrange sound than some tubes. Some tube components will provide better bass and resolution than some SS components. Design, part quality and high level implementation are what determine ultimate success. I use a SS DAC with tube preamplifier and power amplifier and this is a splendid solution me. There are numerous paths to good sound quality. Quality execution of the individual component is the key.
Charles,

I agree with zd's points as well. Design and implementation is the most important criteria not tubes vs ss. Poor design is poor design period. FYI, my personal choice is tube CD, tube pre-amp and tube amplifier, choice 3 like John. Not all tube amps eat output tubes but many do and of course they do deteriorate over time so they need to be periodically tested. This goes for ALL tubes used in any circuit.

So in an ideal set-up, on the surface at least, I would choose 1 over 2 providing the pre-amp is well designed, it's a better bet.