Need Preamp Recommendation

as @soix says, it is YOUR preference that matters, as always... but we make allowance for the possibility that folks asking for others’ preferences is to help establish their own

here are some very nice combos:

-- c-j et5 into belles sa30 or pass xxx
-- c-j prem 16 into audiosector patek se
-- arc ref 3 or 5 into hegel h20/30 (balanced)
-- modwright swl 9.0 into arc 100.2

latter amps are not class a only but they are just as sweet, and more powerful than most

Up to, say $2K, are there significant sonic differences between tube and SS preamps and what is your preference sonically to mate with (class A) SS?

1. yes
2. there are many good ones - i am sure you will soon get the laundry list of contenders