Another rationale for using a tubed preamp is that tubes work better than solid-state in amplifying voltages since tubes work at hundreds of volts while SS works at tens of volts. Solid-state work better at amplifying current since they have much lower output impedances, so there is a good reason to use SS power amps. Not sure which will have the greatest "tube" sound since that is more subjective and affected by so many factors.
If I'm looking for "Tube Sound", why would I put a Tube Pre in front of a SS amp?
I'm purposefully not specifying speakers as I would like to know in general terms the arguments for and against. So, to the degree that speaker characteristics could also influence the choice, please explain. FWIW, I do not know a phase angle from an impedance curve so I will try and educate myself as we go along. Hopefully, others may benefit too.