Some will jump to the conclusion that all expensive stuff is not as good, or the same as the cheap stuff. I think that the reasons one might prefer a cheap SS amp to an expensive tube amp is that the listener values the particular traits that the cheap SS offers - volume, bass, etc. If one is listening to techno-pop, the cheap amp may well be the better choice. But, if one is listening to acoustic instruments at levels within the tube amp's capability and one values the texture of the instruments and the space between and around the notes, the tube amp may be the better choice. Neither opinion is wrong, except the one that buys the expensive amp after preferring the cheaper one sonically.
For the sound, or?????
About three years ago or so, we auditioned a tube amp with a pedigree name driving a set of speakers exactly like the ones my friend owned. It was certainly nothing to write home about. Actually, it was more than a bit mushy in the top end.
After we listened to it for an hour and a half, trying I/C's and speaker placement, they had to bring it to another room for a demo.
We still wanted to try a few I/C's so while we waited for the amp to be available again, I demo'd a few D/A's they had in stock just for kicks.
I hooked up the only other amp available at the time, an old scratched up 80 watt transistor name-brand amp the shop used for testing in the back room.
The speakers immediately came to life! Detail, control, subtle layering...POOF! It was all there.
We were shocked to say the least.
The amp we had been auditioning was in the 3-5K range and the old amp that had lived on the solder bench for more than ten years sells for around $120 on ebay in good shape, let alone a beat up example like this one.
A chat with both techs verified there had been no mods to the old Amplifier.
A listen by three different salesman and the techs from the back had heads shaking and smiles all around.
(He went home with the pricey tube amp.)
When I asked him why, he said he could not bring himself to own all that nice esoteric gear and have it powered by a name-brand 30 year old amp that he would have had to hide.
While I am far less interested in looks than most, I simply cannot imagine someone spending more to get less...so the face-plates will complement each other. (Especially when the price difference was this outrageous)
More recently, I checked out a set of single driver home-made speakers. While we were playing with placement and measuring reflections, we ended up substituting the tube amp for a 35 year old 22 watt mid fi receiver.
The difference was instantly obvious and for the better...like...a LOT better.
When I left, the tube amp was back in place.
Reason? "Because my SET friends would not believe it or take me seriously with that old Kenwood receiver powering my speakers.
I cannot help but wonder how many people have spent money for less sound and a prettier/more exclusive face plate.
How many of you have actually done something like this...or been there when it is happening right in front of you?