Class A Solid State Sound

It all comes down to the way the amp sounds into a specific speaker and the only way to know that is to hook them up and have a listen. You can make assumptions all day long and many of them will prove right. But, assumptions are the mother of all f--k ups. A less expensive amp may sound just as good as a more expensive amp into a specific speaker and we are all price sensitive to one degree or another.  

I have heard great examples of both types. It is interesting that Atma-sphere amps have been forgotten in this discussion. They are class A OTLs Tube amps and many say better than any type of class A SS amp.
They all get hot so why not have a little glow with it? 

Mijostyn: I enjoyed your Under Seige II reference to assumptions.

As a close alternative to large class A SS amplifiers, the GamuT series of class AB amplifiers with 1 large industrial
size mosfet per phase (2 large NPN mosfets per channel) also provides a full organic sound.

Thanks to all respondents!