"Too many" can apply to transistors as well as tubes. I think the issue is the number of gain stages in the signal path, and this is quite different from the eternal argument about tubes vs transistors. With either technology I think that most agree that the less there is in the signal path, the better.
Back in the days when I used tubes there were two tubes (four stages)in the preamp (12AX7 for Phono gain and RIAA, and 12AU7 for line gain/buffer output). The power amp had one 12AU7 for gain, 1/2 another 12AU7 (?) for driver/inverter, and the two output tubes. This provided all the gain necessary, and the preamp even had tone controls. What is the purpose of having more tubes, other than to heat your house?
Back in the days when I used tubes there were two tubes (four stages)in the preamp (12AX7 for Phono gain and RIAA, and 12AU7 for line gain/buffer output). The power amp had one 12AU7 for gain, 1/2 another 12AU7 (?) for driver/inverter, and the two output tubes. This provided all the gain necessary, and the preamp even had tone controls. What is the purpose of having more tubes, other than to heat your house?