For tube sound, which is more important: preamp or power amp?


I have always loved the “tube sound” - warmth, midrange, soundstage. Through the years (since about 1975), I have owned many tube and solid state amps and preamps, in various combinations. Presently, I have a tube amp and a solid state preamp. But like most of you, I am thinking of making changes, again.  Not to cloud the discussion, the specific brands are not important.  I also listen to acoustic music, females vocals, love mini monitors, EL34s, NOS tubes, and don’t care that much about bass.  So you can see that my taste fits the tube sound very well. But I have had systems that are too warm, not enough dynamics or details, and fat in the low end, too.

okay, now to the discussion.  To produce the tube sound, which is more important: the preamp or the power amp?  Let’s talk in general, and (if possible? May not be) not tied to one specific piece/brand/model of equipment.  I know there are exceptions to any general rule.  Not sure if it makes a difference to your comments, but I have no phono and am running line stage only.

As an attempt to prevent the conversation as going in a big tangent, let’s assume equality of price/quality. i.e. not comparing a $10k power amps contribution to a system to that of a $1k preamp.  Let’s also assume that the amp (tube or solid state) can drive the speakers just fine, such that compatibility does not limit the decision. And ignore mono blocks versus stereo amp differences.  

two follow ons: I have  the perception that preamps give you more bang for the buck - meaning that it takes less money to get a great tube preamp compared to a great tube amp.  Agree/disagree? And second, I have never owned a tube dac or CD player, and will assume that tubes in either of these is less critical than in a preamp or power amp. Agree/disagree?

i am interested in your thoughts.

Bill
meiatflask
@david-ten 
I run Dirac Live to clean up the anomalies you mentioned.   Also, looking the specs of most tube power amps it seems the S/N ratio isn't nearly as good as SS amps.  The THD numbers aren't as good either with 1% at full power not uncommon.  SS amps' specs look considerably better.  Is this typical?
@danoroo Yes this is typical tube amps never measure as well as SS amps, however they often sound better. I would caution you to not buy gear solely based on specs.
Danoroo,
Those specification numbers will reveal very little in regard to component sound quality. You must listen and judge by what you hear. Again I find myself agreeing with the wisdom of Jond.

I once owned a Symphonic Line which is a highly regarded German SS amplifier. It had excellent specifications and very good sound. Well my 8 watt SET amplifier took my sound quality and listening enjoyment to a higher tier. The SET's measurements/specifications on paper would be reconsidered clearly inferior to the Symphonic Line.

Numbers said one thing and the ears said another, the ears won decisively. Now its definitely possible you could prefer the SS amp over the SET . My point is that listening is required to make that judgement not test bench results.
Charles
The most important is the synergy between they two.  Power amps just need to be powerful - clean, no or very low distortion, hopefully slam, etc.  Preamps need emotion.