Simple Answer: YES. Just becouse the preamp is tube based doesn't mean it won't give the measured performance of SS. SOme of the best (IMHO "the best") preamps out there are tube based. If I were you and wanting to experiment I'd look at something from Audio Research, BAT, or CJ. Companies that have a good reputation, good resale, and aren't too tweakie. When you start to know a bit more of the sound you are looking for then move into the more esoteric stuff (if you want to).
Chris
Chris