Tube and SS pairs

@mrmb  's  response focuses on the point that there are no clear or absolute answers. The other posts are also confirming this. 

I believe conventional advice is Tube Pre > Solid State Amp  but IT Truly depends on your components and what you are trying to accomplish.

As an example, a recent demo of a tubed integrated demonstrated this for me. A Solid State Pre bypassing the integrated's Pre was superior (to my ears / in my system) driving the integrated's tube power amp section.

@recluse  It's simple, but we audiophiles excel at overcomplicating (myself included). 

Let us know what you end up figuring out and choosing.

Over the past two months, I've been struggling with the very same things you mention in your opening post. Do I go with separates, both tubed, both solid state, a mix of each, etc. 

I chose to go with a solid state integrated solution after considering some representative options (all tube, all solid state, a mix, and separates vs integrated units). What I learned is that there wasn't an ideal choice; there is an overabundance of terrific gear; the options and pairings really are endless; and final choices (imperfect though they are) have to be made. 

Beautifully stated @mrmb  and sage advice.