Why do tube amps often subjectively sound more powerful than SS ?

You might find this article interesting!

https://medium.com/collectors-weekly/could-an-old-school-tube-amp-make-the-music-you-love-sound-better-a35574739c45

Not all tube amps do, but good ones tend to have excellent micro dynamics, great midrange clarity and harmonic structure, and ample headroom.

Maybe it’s just easier to say that they’re "magic"!

I'm with @noromance .  Tubes are more awesome.

You guys know I try to understand everything going on in audio, and I don't always achieve that.  And understanding tube power vs ss power is one of the things I want to understand better.  

I have very successfully driven full range 96dB 4ohm floorstanders with a 2 wpc Decware EL84UFO.  

I'd like to compare a first watt sit-4, but there is very little chance I would leave tubes.

Jerry

Mostly due to soft clipping if so.  “Subjectively” is the key word.  Check actual SPL with a sound meter to know for sure. 

I’m not really sure why that is. But my tube amps have huge power supplies and oversized capacitors. That doesn’t hurt.