Where are you today?


I am curious how many of you have switched from solid state to tubes or vice-versa and why, maybe you haved moved onto an integrated amp. Are you satisfied with what are you currently using and is this gear keeping you happy. Or for some of you, is the current state of the economy effecting your purchases?
phd
All SS, then Jolida 502brc - didnt think it could get much better (more expensive tubes maybe) but then I got a great deal on whole Meridian system ( dsp speakers and pre/processor ) - the wow factor is there every time I listen now - I dont know where else I could go to get better sound (maybe more expensive Meridian)
For me it was love at first bite and I have not looked back , just sideways. OTLs and tubes now front my systems after years of sssearching . OTLs bring a palpable sense of presence to ordinary recordings and good tube gear digs deeper into the soul of the music for me . Both OTLs and good tube gear allow me to sense the artists emotion and passion more easily . For me , this is the reason I stay transfixed to this hobby.
Could not be more pleased w/the way my humble/modest systems are sounding! I'm using the Rega Brio 3 int. amp and it sounds so sweet and musical. I've always been a huge int. amp believer. I don't see any system changes for a very long time. Cheers! Bill
Impressed with all the input,one of the most intelligent discussions about this controversial topic I can recall.Wouldn't that be a blast if we could all get together and discuss over a case of wine.Long story short,started with ss switched to tubes pre and power and have never considered going back.Now having said that,I understand that Jeff Rowlands' Capri ss pre amp is a world class contender.Never say never.
I've been in both camps at various points in iterations of my system and really like several different types of amps. I am in the process of breaking in my new VAC Phi 300.1 Monoblocks and it appears from early listening I'll be in the tube camp quite awhile longer...

That said, there are exceptional SS amps out there, and some very nice hybrids as well. The Moscode 401HR and Blue Circle are some excellent examples...