I've heard a lot of systems and a lot of combinations (pre and amp) of tubes w/ tubes, SS w/ tubes (both ways) and SS alone. In general I prefer "some" tubes in the system to SS alone, basically because tubes seem to add harmonic texture. Whether you call that distortion or not, well, I don't care. It sounds better to me.
SS alone does seem to be cleaner sounding, tighter, perhaps with more bass punch in general. All tubes seem to be very rich, but that doesn't have to mean sloppy.
IMO it is more important to match the amp with the speaker to get the best control, be that a tube amp or a SS amp. Then get a preamp that tunes the system more to your liking and both complements the amp and helps true up any deficiencies. We all know it's a synergy game and sometimes trial and error is necessary to get the best balance that works for your ears and musical tastes.
SS alone does seem to be cleaner sounding, tighter, perhaps with more bass punch in general. All tubes seem to be very rich, but that doesn't have to mean sloppy.
IMO it is more important to match the amp with the speaker to get the best control, be that a tube amp or a SS amp. Then get a preamp that tunes the system more to your liking and both complements the amp and helps true up any deficiencies. We all know it's a synergy game and sometimes trial and error is necessary to get the best balance that works for your ears and musical tastes.