Tube Pre and SS Power? Or the reverse?

I use a tube pre and a SS power; I'm sure there are some who do it the other way, but I've not come across any. 

I would go both tube. The combination is more musical, natural and synergistic. I used tube preamps and solid state amps for years. It was not until I switched both to tube did I finally get great sound.  

I use a C53 with either a 275(version VI) or a vintage MC2205 SS amp driving either a vintage pair of McIntosh XRT 20'S or Sonus faber Cremona M's. All combinations sound excellent.

@mojo771 

I owned and loved tube amps, integrated and power amps.  With the right spekers the sound can be magical and dynamic.  

However my final setup is tube preamp into a solid state amp.  

There is no contest with the speed, microdynamic changes of pace and life like full range scale that a robust powerful solid state amplifier can provide.  

I suggest a 6SN7 based preamp for that golden tone and spacious sound stage along with a smooth power amp full of grunt like my McIntosh MC312.  

It isn't about hit you over the head power, it's about power when called for to deliver the ultra low bass notes without strain or the punch of kettle drums at exciting volume levels that really give you that live feeling.  

Even with my relatively efficient DeVore O/93 speakers the 300WPC Mac just delivers big, bold effortless sound.   Even my former very robust 100WPC KT120 tube power amp runs out of steam before being able to match that life like vibrancy without strain. 

best - high power tube amp (think audio research) plus matching tube pre

second best - excellent tube pre (think c-j or arc) and clean powerful ss amp (think hegel or pass or classe or benchmark)