high power tube amps vs ss

I suppose another scenario would be like Petepapp describes, and you want to preserve your hearing. Soft clipping may be a good thing there, so a smaller tube amp might fit the bill for a full range solution with smaller speakers.

Very good point. Is it odd ordered harmonic distortion that causes damage within the average spl range we listen at? Will I preserve my hearing ability switching to tubes?

Distortion or not, high volume levels if overdone will damage your ears . Unfortunately many musicians(this includes classical un amplified genre also) suffer significant hearing loss over the years due to excessive SPL environments. Be careful and preserve your precious hearing sense.
Regards,

My old XA100.5 monoblocks ( 100 watt classA) were superior in drive, control, slamm and dynamics compared to my older heavy Modified Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista-300. This one measured far over 2 times 350 watts ( 8 ohm)

I naturally, and I bet I'm not the only one, tend to turn up the volume until I perceive the "sweet spot". Since odd ordered harmonics are our sound pressure clue, their absence (relative term), with very clean reproduction will tend to promote increased listening levels. It does not sound loud even though it is. My solution, since I listen several hours daily, is to use a sound meter to monitor spls. I'm using a free droid app. Sometimes I even pay attention to it.