Tubes vs Solid State

I still find the Berning zotl amps have the speed, drive, dynamic capability and bass control of the BEST SS amps with the dimension, texture, low level resolution and presence of the best tube amps providing they are ideally matched to the speaker. Really tough to beat that combination of virtues in a tube design. Another big plus is the efficiency of the tubes operating at lower filiment current for longer tube life and less heat in the room. I also agree that there is less place in this hobby for high powered tube amps unless they can somehow find a way to design them to be more efficient.

Nice try Mapman, I'm just guessing that you haven't recently heard or listened to the best attributes that tube contribute to reproduced sound. I could say the same thing about my inexperience with Class D amplifiers. Not all tube amps nor class D "ice" amps are created equally, I've heard a few "ice" amps and while they can offer some of the attributes contributing to good sound they have not to date influenced me in any manner to prefer them over my amplifier. I know that what I am saying has nothing to do with whether they glow or not. First off, I can't even see the tubes in my amp as they are covered by a rather utilitarian perforated cover that doesn't reveal what's inside, they could be solid state, Class D or tube to a casual view. To me it all comes down to what works and sounds most convincing in a given system regardless of tube or SS. Your remarks are a bit more condescending than maybe your intent. After all, our ears should be the final arbitrator in this discussion/debate.

Ah Mapman if I misread your intent, which surprised me btw, just never you mind me!