I've owned SF Line 2, First Sound Presence Delux, and Golden Tube SEP-1SE tube preamps, EVS passive attenuator, and the Aloia solid state Inductive Power Supply preamp 14.01. Nothing compares to the Aloia in terms of transparency, soundstaging, neutrality and low end definition (IMHO). Some tube preamps roll off the top freq, some has tube preamps have thrush, etc. The tube preamp is only as good as the tube it employs. Good solid state is more consistent sounding. Best of luck.
To tube or not to tube...
I'm interested in upgrading my preamp and have been considering going to a tubed preamp coupled with SS power amp. I hesitate because of the reliability factor. You see, I grew up in the era of tube television sets, so it was a periodic chore to unplug all the tubes from the TV and haul 'em down to the local drugstore's tube tester. We'd wind up replacing a handful of tubes, and then be amazed at how much better the picture and sound was. A year later the drill would repeat. What's the situation with tubed preamps? I see a lot of discussion about trying this brand of tube or the other... I'm wondering how much of that "improvement" is due simply to replacement of weak tubes with fresh ones. What kind of life can one expect from the tubes in a tubed preamp? How much does the sound deteriorate over time as the tubes wear out? Are tubed preamps intended only for those who want and like to fiddle with the innards of their equipment?