high power tube amps vs ss

Agree with Phaelon, the speaker's load characteristics(impedance curve-fluctuations and phase angles) will determine if tube or transistor amplifier is the best option.

Along with Isochronism and Larryi I much prefer the lower power amp with high efficiency speakers route for the same reasons they cited.
Regards,

The best amp is the one which is most synergestic tube or SS. I prefer tubes but one system I have sounds best with SS. I have tubes in other systems which are also magical. Try both tubes and SS. Carver and Manley, ASL Hurricanes are all good top fuel choices. Tubes will seem cheap to a transistor replacement and they do have a lifespan. A friend had his Krell mda 300s repaired...3k. 3k buys a lot of tubes, no free lunches. I prefer high efficency speakers. Pick your poison..... Jallen

In 48 years of using solid state amps I have never had to replace a transistor...
Total of parts was one blown cap.. in 48 years..

“My questions is: is there anything to be gained by switching to these higher power tube amps over ss amps?”

Tough question. It kinda depends on what a person wants from his or her system. Each type of amp has it advantages and disadvantages. This subject debated countless times here. Spend a little time and search the forums and you will be rewarded was plenty of SS vs. tubes thread. A seatbelt may be required.

Marakanetz. only tubes you can buy for $20 bucks are those wretched Russian "re-issue" in which case there is no doubt a good SS amp is better.
A good quad of EL-34's will set you back 3-500 hundred bucks and are ,as likely as not, fake .