Tube Pre and SS Power? Or the reverse?

I always advocate more power than seemingly needed. Yes, you can feel this power reserve when you have it.

Another thought is that tube watt often feels more powerful than ss watt. There was a discussion here on Audiogon about it. 

I was in @inna ‘s camp until I switched to tube amps… very different… more watts matter far less and more nuanced bass… less simplistic slam.

ghdprentice, I agree, but when I switch my VAC from ultralinear to triode mode, that halves the power, the difference is striking - ultralinear is so much better even at low volume. Well, with my particular speakers, of course.

@inna

When I switch my Audio Research Ref 160s from ultra linear to triode mode (also halving the power) I cannot hear the difference... except in the added warmth and realism. No change in dynamics or loudness.  I am astonished every time I do it. 

I originally went from a Pass 350 wpm to this 140 wpm amp. This sounded much more real... I quickly switched it to triode mode 70wpc and prefer it without reservation to the 350wpc Pass. 

I’m not sure exactly what that implies. 

ghdprentice, in triode mode you have 70wpc and I have 33wpc, so maybe that's one of the reasons, 33wpc just not enough for my speakers to sound right. I don't know, tubes are mysterious devices.