If I'm looking for "Tube Sound", why would I put a Tube Pre in front of a SS amp?

Study " Dampening Factor " and " Woofer Control ". I've run a SS pre in front of tube mono blocks , tube pre in front of SS amp . SS to SS , integrated SS and integrated tube. My current setup is a modern tube pre to low power tube . One of my former systems was a tube pre to a Bryston 4B ST to a pair of JBL 4312a's . It didn't need subwoofers ! When the drummer hit a drum you could feel it on your chest , that's where a high( dampening factor)  power amp shines . It also comes with a large dose of ear fatigue . So I have the JBL's and a pair of Klipsh Heresy II's . Totally different sound and power requirements . But they are both 12" woofer, 3 way speakers . Apples and Oranges . I'm currently running 12 WPC tube to a pair of Zu Omens . Every combination has good points and weaknesses . My systems are all under $8k. In the medium and high priced world it's a different game and I'm not qualified .  So as far as the sound ? MUSIC IS IN THE EAR OF THE LISTENER ! The gentleman that talked about being loaned numerous tubes , is a good example of what we do for each other in the pursuit of our hobby . I am fortunate to be friends with a former shop owner that has loaned me Modwright , Rogue and Acoustic Zen products . When he spent $5k on a new pair of JL subs , I was able to participate in the setup . When he obtained $3k in acoustic treatments , I was able to audition them at his home . I'm able to borrow his pro sound meter for my setups. And when my new preamp had a hum through my headphones , he loaned me his Seinheiser headphones . I'm a lucky guy and I try to help others the same way . I hope you meet someone in your town that can help you too. Great Question , and happy listening . Respectfully , Mike .

While there's a lot of valid technical experience expressed here, I'd like to add a slightly different take on this topic.

In my experience, both varieties of amplification can provide fine sound, and cater to the individual preferences that each audiophile has --whether we are conscious of, or admit to them --or not.

Nonetheless I have heard exquisite sound several times and the cause is the care (and possibly experience) of the person who has assembled the system. These systems have been solid state, tube and hybrid (as is my own system, designed by Derrick Moss, another fine engineer).

My point, and something I believe is not adequately expressed in this thread, is that the matching of components is crucial to distinctive sound. It doesn't matter what flavors of ice cream you choose for your banana split; what matters is the way it tastes to Your palette. Nobody can either dictate that to you, nor determine what you like best; only you can discern what balance, or flavor, of sound best suits your taste.

Consider the opinions of those people whose other threads you respect; question the rest, winnowing what virtue or insight there may be for your inquiry. But approach our hobby/pursuit/addiction with 1) and open mind and 2) CURIOSITY. Wonder what you would like; don't make any assumptions, and don't listen too much to others. There is some great gear available.

And remember: the single most influential component in your system is your room, how you position your components (notice I don't only mention speakers) and how you treat your room to (re)produce sound with the greatest fidelity to your perception of musicality.

Complementarity, room treatment and an open mind will, if pursued rigorously and with patience, give you the sound that makes you fall in love with music over and over again. Isn't that the reward of assembling a system that suits our unique taste and preferences?

Currently pairing a Shindo Vosne-Romanee pre with a Viola Labs Symphony  amp driving Raidho D2.1 speakers. Rich tonality, detail, layering, large sound stage, emotionally involving...very hard to shut it down and get to bed at a reasonable hour!

The truth is that a tube pre cannot give you the tube sound If you use a SS power amp. The tubes advantages are 3D imaging, openness, soundstaging, and presence. The disadvantage is a coloring of the sound. If you use a SS power amp only a tiny fraction of the tube advantages + all of the disadvantages remain. If you want to have a tube like sound with a SS amp you have to use a single ended class a amp (sugden, first watt)

Very nicely stated and great advice cdk84.