Well this may prove to be an intersting thread, I think the answer is quiet simple(with today's technology). The SS vs. tube thread is another can of worms all together, those who have made there choice are standing there ground. So I won't get into that part of your question-for the record go tubes go! ;) As far as digital technology is concerned I don't see it being "the end" for an audiophile, my judgement on this is based on our format of software. I am willing to lay odds that a majority of the folks who have both digital and analog set ups have 2-10 fold the money into there analog rig, the reason for this?? its more emotional it contains body, more like actual music instead of reproduced sound. Though digital tech. is coming along I think EVERYONE(and that doesn't happen often) will agree that analog sounds better. I am willing to bet there are hundreds if not thousands of people who have 10k plus in to there analog front end and far fewer have that much into digital(and those who do most generally have many times the value of there CD player into there analog). I don't see anything digital being the audio nirvana that we all seek. I have tried several highly regarded ss amps in my system(which will remain nameless) and a few tube amps and I just find I have a much higher PRaT in my system with tubes, and to me that's what this hobby/curse is about. The only amp I would enjoy trying is Halcro and from what I am told they are great but a good tube amp will blow it out of the water(for how I like to listen that is). My comments are subjective of course to what I want from MY system everyone has different needs. Well maybe I didn't answer your querry at all but I added my .02.
~Tim
~Tim