Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp?

Am I the only one who uses tubes BECAUSE of the extra detail they add? It’s a very 3D detail, very lifelike.

I don’t find tubes warmer than SS (listen to the "euphonic error" on the original NAD 3020!), except for the warm glow of the tubes themselves.

I’ve been going tube pre & SS amp since 97
All SS before that & needed a change.

There are many tube preamps with different sonic signatures. Some have a nostalgic sound like a CJ or Macintosh.
I would go with VTL. I have for 20+ years.

The VTL preamps are noteworthy. Their design is based on not trying to impart a signature.
I have used a TL-2.5 and then went to the 5.5 (series 1)

Both are pure tube - not hybrid
I would go VTL or Audible Illusions, but it’s VTL for me...

I have a hybrid preamp (VTL 7.5 III) and a Boulder 1060. Best match ever had in my system. Period. 

I use a vintage tube pre-amp (Audio Research LS2 MKII B) with vintage Sumo Andromeda behemoth amps in a bi-amp setup.  I have used and both tried both tube and SS pre-amps before and since and the old king has has never loosened his grip on the throne.  The thing to remember is that your sound will never be better than the tubes you are using, and vintage is generally much better quality and sound.  Of course finding real new old stock tubes (NOS) can be a challenge, not all sellers are trust worthy.  As an example a NOS Siemens and Halske Cca 6922 grey plate used to mean a brand new unused tube in the original box.  Over time the meaning of NOS as it pertains to this tube changed to mean anything that still tested as OK regardless of how many hours it had been used.  Every tube sound different....  have fun.

Main: Audio Research LS-27 with Bryston 4BST3 running Sonus Faber Cremona M's

Office: McIntosh MA 252 (tube front end) Integrated running Chartwell LS3/5A's

My favorite combinations !