Cary Audio: Tube preamp (SLP-98) paired with (SA-200.2) solid state amplifier?

Found something close to answer some of my general questions, https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tube-pre-amp-plus-solid-state-power-amps

I've used the SPL-98 with a Levinson 336 and it was a great combination, assuming the 98 is the sound you're looking for.  It leans more toward the tubey end of the spectrum which is not necessarily a bad thing.  The extreme frequencies aren't the last word in resolution or impact, but the magic middle more than makes up for it if you're looking for that sort of sound.

You should also consider the SLP-05 if you can stretch the budget.  It's an absolutely stunning preamp.  I owned one and it was verrrrrry difficult to say goodbye to it.

Good luck with your decision, I can whole-heartedly recommend both of those Cary pre's.

98 does not have the dimensionality of the 05 from my a/b and trials.  98 is the more tubey of the two however.