The ups and downs of tube vs. SS...

There is no substitute for tubes. Solid state can do some things extremely well, but cannot beat tubes for harmonic structure integrity and seductive sound. Solid state is cardboard or paper mache. Tubes are liquid and human sounding.

"Solid state is cardboard or paper mache. Tubes are liquid and human sounding."

That was my (subjective) opinion as well until I heard the Pass XA25 a friend just purchased last week. Paired with his floor standing Omega speakers it sounds lush and gorgeous, even with his Pass SS preamp. 
It sounded even more captivating when we switched in my Aric Audio tube preamp but I thought it got a bit too syrupy for my taste. Really liked that XA25...

That’s the exception that proves the rule. 😛

I’ve got a chance to buy a brand new, old stock Grant Fidelity Rita 880. I know nothing about it. Anyone know of this model? Any good?
i can get it for about 1/5th original retail. Should I go for it?
jtweed