Sound of transformers in preamps?

Charles1dad you are 100% right. When I search for a pre (or any component for that matter) I don't say OK it has to have A or B or C. Yes I first think tubes and have had more tube amps than most normal people have had cars and the same goes for pre-amps. But I've now landed with a SS pre and never inquired about it's design just plugged it in and knew it was special once heard. Still have not found a SS amp I could live with for the long run but that doesn't mean it's not out there, have yet to hear some of the new Nelson Pass designs.

Sksos1,
I have an admiitted bias for tube components but I`ve heard only high praise when the VRE is mentioned(I have`nt heard it).The most musically natural sounding SS power amp I`ve heard(so far) is the Silicon Arts zl-120 built by Masakada Tsuda(Concert Fidelity).Despite the many different amps I`ve listened to,at the end of the day give me a good SET amp.
Regards,

Agree again...with my current 98 efficient speakers my 8 watt SET is sublime! Many nights I have to wear Depends while listening!!!!

Meant to type Masataka Tsuda designer and owner Silicon Arts.

Very interesting thread. I have owned many preamps without interstage transformers (Audio Research, CAT, VTL, Conrad Johnson, Presence. When I received my VAC Sig. Preamp it had the best sound and uses the dreaded interstage transformer. Kevin Hayes of VAC makes two preamps one with and one without the transformer. Guess what his best and most costly one is the one with the transformer.