The CL-1000 defiantly can compete w/any top of the line tube preamps on the market. The CL38U-SE is a great preamp. I agree w/combinig it w/a SS amp. In my case it's a Bryston SST2. I've heard the Gato's and they are truly impressive. In my opinion the 38 is a great bargain. I had checked out more expensive preamps in the 10K-12K region and this preamp beat them all.
