How big of a difference do amps make?


There are probably plenty of threads on this subject so dont be frustrated...im looking for those who went from ss to tube amps.
Current system:
Thor TA-1000
Merlin TSM-MMM
H/K Citation 16
cheap cdp
Im looking to upgrade amps to Thor 30's with maybe Marantz 8004 cdp.
Just curious what to expect... Thanks Jayson
mcpherson
F1a. . . as Charles1dad said, the Sophia Royal Princess 300b are excellent; and the people from Sophia Electric are great to deal with. . . they are local to DC where I live. I was very happy with the way that they sounded and agreed with the Positive-Feedback review by Jeff Day. However. . . the Takatsuki are simply better in every way. They are also 50% more expensive (even when sourced directly from Japan); and I doubt that you will find them discounted or used. And there are now several reviews that accurately describe their sound - HiFidelity of Poland (reprinted in 6Moons), Dagogo, and parttimeaudiophile. Both tubes are beautifully packaged. Both sound great. The Takastukis are simply better.
Up to a certain point I agree with Elizabeth most tube amps I have heard have more colouration the most SS amps. However there are some brands that do make good tube amps. Nagra, Octave and KR audio among others.

But a while a friend and me compared a Prima Luna one/two with a Sugden A21. IMHO, the Sugden was cleary the better amp. Far less colouration, my friend bought the Prima Luna.
Thanks Charles & Gsm, the Polish review particularly piqued my interest... what a rave! Love to try 'em...
When people mention coloration...what exactly are we talking about? A certain tone or house sound of component?
Fla,
The Polish review is the best description and accurate review of the Takatsui 300b.That group just nailed it.
Regards,