Why did you lean one way or the other

Just to chime in, my journey is simple. I have been an audio guy for sixty years (hey, everyone needs a hobby), and finally gave in to all the hype about tubes. I first bought a tube preamp. That helped! I have used a solid-state amp (Classe Audio DR15) since the 1990s, but saw a pair of Manley Mahis for sale shortly after reading the glowing review in Stereophile. They were right, there was a huge difference, especially with vinyl. So, now I listen to mostly vinyl despite the large price difference vs. CDs. My speakers are Sonus Faber Electa Amators. My listening room is small, so I listen in triode mode as it’s all I need to get the sound I prefer. I only wish I had made the leap earlier!

THe problem with the best tube amps out there is that the people who still mostly might want them can’t even lift them anymore.  Or lift the speakers needed to perform with well with smaller tube amps (even worse).   It’s like 80-year-old + technology at this point that is still going.  Compared to modern technology, which is cheaper, lighter, smaller and in general outperforms the old technology.  That’s how technology works.   It gets better over time!  Kudos to tube amp vendors like @atmasphere who experiences this stuff firsthand, didn’t let sentiment for the past cloud judgement, and took action to offer competitive alternative products using the latest and greatest technology.  Smart man!

Having said that I still think tubes are very cool looking devices which helps keep them going.   But for how long?   Plus most tubes and materials used to make them are imported and will cost even more with tariffs moving forward.   FBOFW.

I've tried to sell myself on tubes and have spent a fair amount of time with Octave, ARC, VAC, etc., and liked Octave the best. I don't have much experience with low power amps, high efficiency speakers, which I think is a different beast. The tube amps I've heard are well built and produce a pleasant sound-something I could be happy with if that was what was available. The tube amps I've heard were pleasant, but not natural and lacked a bit on the bottom end. I landed in a place that, to my ears, produces a more natural, honest sound throughout the spectrum. I think its simply a matter of personal taste-no right or wrong. Some take their coffee black, some with cream and sugar. To me that's the difference. Ultimately, I think its more important to have a competently designed, well built amp and preamp.

tube DAC in the house that has an OTL output stage

@yysantabarbara OTL refers to 'Output TransformerLess' and so applies to 99 44/100ths of tube preamp and DAC outputs. 'OCL' might mean they are using an output transformer. 'OCL/OTL' would mean no output coupling cap or transformer (direct-coupled, like our preamps).

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I've told people for nearly 50 years if I could figure out how to get the same sound of tubes with solid state I'd do it in a heartbeat. It actually took about 5 years of research once I realized it was possible. So now I don't worry about a tube amp, although I do see tubes as fun, but in no way as musical as what I have now. 

This post has been an interesting read! And it's somewhat restored my faith that we CAN have civil conversations around here. Ahem... 

I've been playing with hi-fi for 50+ years. From my brother's hand-me-down Dynaco SCA-35 tube integrated to several SS integrateds. It wasn't until the 80's that I could afford a used ARC SP3-1A to go with a pair of Hafler DH-220s that'd I'd built. That setup kept me happy for years.

Then a few years ago, being a life long ARC fanboy, I stumbled on an SP11 Mk2. Wow, what a step up! Then came the VS-110. While it doesn't have the ultimate bottom end of the Haflers, that midrange and upper... Ooh-la-la! 

Within the next year we should be moved and I'll be able to set up my pop's Jadis gear. Can't wait for that! That said, I'm likely going to go bi-amp and use SS for the bottom end for that system. Thus will begin another hunt. 

Happy listening.