effect of tubes in cd players

My Vincent CD-S6 MK is a tube hybrid.
In comparison with a Denon 2900 and Sony 900v, the Vincent is more transparent, open, accurate, pace without being harsh. So not all tube cdp are warmer.

Scar

Age 0-49 : Tube audiophile CD player
Age 50- : Non-tube audiophile CD player

Not a hard and fast rule, but something to consider.
Your Mileage (a/k/a hearing) May Vary

This type of dual output CDP is really the only way to discern the differences between the two types.

The differences you are hearing are more to the particular implementation of the tube or ss output stage. Both tube and ss CDPs are all over the place sonically. Difficult to generalize, and the same applies to results obtained with a dual output CDPs.

In a dual output player, it is highly likely, neither output type is fully optimized. I would rather have a designer stick with his opinion what sound good and accomplish his goals good as possible, doesn't matter which design.

Rene

I also have a Granite player with tube and solid state output. The differences are readily apparent, and come down to what I (and I readily admit that I take the contrarian opinion) normally hear regarding the difference between tube and solid state.

Tube is more open, spacious, with greater clarity and detail. The sound also seems faster to my ears. On the negative side, if things are leaning towards brightness, you'll hear it even more with the tube output

Solid state is more relaxed and lush, with a heftier and richer bottom end. Its negative is that sometimes I find myself missing a bit of the excitement and jump of the music.

Which do I prefer? Having the option of using either, I do. Sometimes, I use the tube out, and sometime I go the solid state route. I most appreciate the sonic differences and flexibility.