I always prefered tubes. I then tried a Pass First Watt, F6. I realized solid state can sound just as liquid, 3D, and smooth as a good tube amp.
I am not sure, but I think what drew me to tube amps sound, was not the tubes per se, rather it is that I love the sound of Class A topology, which can be accomplished in a ss amp, as well as a tube amp.
I have enjoyed every Class A amp I have ever heard, to a much larger degree, than non class a.
Mg16