IF you are using the system as your main 2 channel music and alternately as the front for a Home Theater via AVR:
then tube preamp is more desirable, thus tube life will be increased, but I would not avoid tubes IF tube sound is desired for the 2 channel use.
as noted, small tubes last 10,000 hours, and they do not cost too much. Always have a spare set ready.
the model that allows HT Bypass input to be used while the tube preamp is OFF sounds ideal.