I know this is an old-ish thread, but I wanted to add my $.02. As someone who listens to vinyl 99+% of the time, a tube pre with a SS amp is wonderful. You can do this on a small (audiophile) budget as well if you are willing and able to modify your equipment. I highly recommend a modded Jolida JD9. I have the original, which I modded myself by replacing the op amps, caps, and tubes (Gold Lion), and adding damping material throughout. If you can find one used, this can all be done for less than $600 and will easily compete with preamps $2K+. I run this through a stock Yamaha A-S500 amp (very modestly priced), and my sound never fails to blow people away. I agree with some other commenters here, that this combination gives you the best of both worlds. Though I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing super high end (expensive) setups, this combo blows away any all-tube or all-SS setup I’ve ever heard. Of course, ymmv. Cheers.
Full disclosure - I do have a lot more cash invested in my speakers and deck...
Full disclosure - I do have a lot more cash invested in my speakers and deck...