SS Preamp with Tube Amp?

I doubt it matters in general.

If you want to bask in tubelike sound, this can probably accomplish that depending on the details but more tubes in the signal path will probably be merrier.

I'm still a bit befuddled by the whole fascination with tubes, though I do appreciate their allure as I am a sufferer as well to some extent.

I've heard very good tube amplification that sounds a lot like SS, but I have yet to hear very good SS amplification that sounds like tubes.

Also, I do not hear a tube-like sound at most good live performances I attend, so my current conclusion is that good sound does not sound like tubes.

My current mindset is perhaps also that tubes are better off being seen but not heard.

"Semi suggests that a tube pre and amp is the ultimate."

I believe this has the biggest upside in regards to realistic sound reproduction with tube amplification and with most speakers out there today, particularly in larger rooms. Juice (current) is key. I've been extremely pleased with the results of this in my rig. For modest cost, I think my rig is at least competitive with the best I have heard which also happen to cost many times more.

With more efficient, higher impedance speakers (less common today in that SS still rules), then I think tube amps can also achieve the highest levels as well. You will pay a premium for good tube amplification though.

"But you can't "roll" transistors; so if you want to tailor the sonics, why you're just SOL ;-)"

An undeniable benefit of tubes. Getting it right is all about tailoring sonics somehow more so than which piece is better than others, although some undeniably are better.

Like baking a cake. You need a good recipe to tell you how to properly combine the ingredients, but quality ingredients are needed for best results.