I use a tube preamp and tube monos, however, I did get an invite to try a solid state preamp (a new design, not sure if it's out yet?)..... from Henry Ho, of H2O Audio. I had it in my system for two weeks, around last Christmas.
The combo sounded wonderful, and like you said....using tube amps it still sounded like tubes. Had I been in the market for a new preamp (Henry knew I was not shopping)....I could have been "VERY" happy with that combo for my system.
Dave