My experience would suggest (along with most of the above) that if you are looking for classic “tube” sound, the tube amp is more influential than a tube preamp. I believe you can get great sound going either way, and there is no single right answer. My experience would also suggest that auditioning gear in your room, with your system with your ears is much more important that reading reviews online. Early on I fell into the trap of buying gear based on reviews. EVERY time I was underwhelmed, because only I knew what I was really trying to achieve in my home. And there is such a thing as system synergy.
Tube or solid state
Do you prefer a tube preamp into a solid state amp or a solid state amp into a tube amp,which is your choice for best sound?