Guess what? Real sound uses no tubes or transistors. Go figure. It also sometimes impresses and sometimes disappoints.
I guess my point is that tube or SS alone means little. There are many factors that go into good sound reproduction. Even more go in to do it reliably day in and day out over the long haul.
Tubes are glass half full or empty for me. Tubes will tend to not last as long as most other parts, but are easily replaceable when they do. Might cost a small fortune to do so though nowadays in that quality tubes are in demand and in relatively short supply compared to years past. That's the part that keeps me away for the most part in that I like a lot of tube gear but do not find them a critical part of my overall listening enjoyment.
I guess my point is that tube or SS alone means little. There are many factors that go into good sound reproduction. Even more go in to do it reliably day in and day out over the long haul.
Tubes are glass half full or empty for me. Tubes will tend to not last as long as most other parts, but are easily replaceable when they do. Might cost a small fortune to do so though nowadays in that quality tubes are in demand and in relatively short supply compared to years past. That's the part that keeps me away for the most part in that I like a lot of tube gear but do not find them a critical part of my overall listening enjoyment.