Describe ube sound vs solid state

Charles, your definition is very accurate. I recognize every aspect you describe in a 'lousy' amp. However, I also observe the attributes you mention in ss. Not sure how that would compare to a great in my estimation tube amp.

Hi Csontos,
I believe you and others who say they hear the desirable attributes I described for tubes in SS, personally I have not. I admit my impressions aren't universally shared. I have heard good SS amps sound better than a number of tube amps. I am comparing the best examples I have heard from each camp. So far the high quality tube amps win the realism/natural title. Totally subjective of course but that is what I consistently hear. I appreciate Your different perspective.

Charles: FWIW, I recall my encounters with ss in analytical terms--"the Class'e seemed more solid, but the McCormack seemed faster," but I recall my encounters with tubes warmly as cherished experiences, and I don't compare one tube experience to another. This makes me think the tube experience was profoundly musical, free of checklists and ratings. This is only realized as I look back over the experiences. Perhaps distance is required to see the pattern, and I have little confidence I could discern this difference in the moment.

Electro slacker,
Well stated, when the musical listening experience is emotionally involving and realistic, the mental checklist is erased and you just sit there and get involved and engaged with the music. You express the gist of this contrasting experience well. There becomes no need or desire to have an analytical approach, just relax and enjoy. A different body response is evoked and it feels right, no mental dissection needed when the sound is more natural.
Charles,

^^ This.

Music is process in the limbic centers of the brain- unless some aspect of the sound is altered enough that the brain detects a problem- and then the music processing is transferred to the cerebral cortex.

This is literally why some systems are emotionally involving while others are not. Obviously the goal would be to keep the processing in the limbic centers.