While there's a lot of valid technical experience expressed here, I'd like to add a slightly different take on this topic.
In my experience, both varieties of amplification can provide fine sound, and cater to the individual preferences that each audiophile has --whether we are conscious of, or admit to them --or not.
Nonetheless I have heard exquisite sound several times and the cause is the care (and possibly experience) of the person who has assembled the system. These systems have been solid state, tube and hybrid (as is my own system, designed by Derrick Moss, another fine engineer).
My point, and something I believe is not adequately expressed in this thread, is that the matching of components is crucial to distinctive sound. It doesn't matter what flavors of ice cream you choose for your banana split; what matters is the way it tastes to Your palette. Nobody can either dictate that to you, nor determine what you like best; only you can discern what balance, or flavor, of sound best suits your taste.
Consider the opinions of those people whose other threads you respect; question the rest, winnowing what virtue or insight there may be for your inquiry. But approach our hobby/pursuit/addiction with 1) and open mind and 2) CURIOSITY. Wonder what you would like; don't make any assumptions, and don't listen too much to others. There is some great gear available.
And remember: the single most influential component in your system is your room, how you position your components (notice I don't only mention speakers) and how you treat your room to (re)produce sound with the greatest fidelity to your perception of musicality.
Complementarity, room treatment and an open mind will, if pursued rigorously and with patience, give you the sound that makes you fall in love with music over and over again. Isn't that the reward of assembling a system that suits our unique taste and preferences?
In my experience, both varieties of amplification can provide fine sound, and cater to the individual preferences that each audiophile has --whether we are conscious of, or admit to them --or not.
Nonetheless I have heard exquisite sound several times and the cause is the care (and possibly experience) of the person who has assembled the system. These systems have been solid state, tube and hybrid (as is my own system, designed by Derrick Moss, another fine engineer).
My point, and something I believe is not adequately expressed in this thread, is that the matching of components is crucial to distinctive sound. It doesn't matter what flavors of ice cream you choose for your banana split; what matters is the way it tastes to Your palette. Nobody can either dictate that to you, nor determine what you like best; only you can discern what balance, or flavor, of sound best suits your taste.
Consider the opinions of those people whose other threads you respect; question the rest, winnowing what virtue or insight there may be for your inquiry. But approach our hobby/pursuit/addiction with 1) and open mind and 2) CURIOSITY. Wonder what you would like; don't make any assumptions, and don't listen too much to others. There is some great gear available.
And remember: the single most influential component in your system is your room, how you position your components (notice I don't only mention speakers) and how you treat your room to (re)produce sound with the greatest fidelity to your perception of musicality.
Complementarity, room treatment and an open mind will, if pursued rigorously and with patience, give you the sound that makes you fall in love with music over and over again. Isn't that the reward of assembling a system that suits our unique taste and preferences?