Tubes or Solid State?

I would trust Stereophile over Audio Science Review.  If you are not familiar with ASR, please note--they do not listen to gear. Listening--their argument runs--is subjective--and subjectivity tells us nothing.  If you listen to ASR, you are buying equipment solely based on test results. 

If ASR is your jam (you like that analytical framework), this site may not be for you. Most stuff people adore here would get a thumbs down at ASR. 

ASR would tell you to buy a Topping/Gustard/SMSL over a Denafrips.  They are their own special crowd.  

Class A solid state for amplification (I prefer integrateds for simplicity, space & cost savings), paired with tubed ancillary components, such as phono stages, dacs, etc...Sugden, tavish design, Ear and border patrol come to mind. 

Many years past, I carried out numerous Tube vs SS as Amplification , as a Phonostage, Pre-Amp' and Power Amp.

The Outcome being I become a user of SS Phonostage > Tube Pre-Amp' > Power Amp's

More recently over the past 5-6 Years, I have revisited the Comparisons and had demonstrations of Commercial and DIY Built Designs.

The Outcome being I have now been introduced to Tube Phonostages that I now own, as well as, SS Pre and Power Amp's I would happily own in place of a Tube Amp.

My expansion into Digital (I am a very late comer to the party) has the Outcome that I have selected a Tube DAC over a SS DAC.

There are some good DAC Comparison Demonstrations on the near horizon, so this attraction to Tubes might get realigned. 

It’s all in the implementation….

It’s all in the implementation….
…,,,………

That thing about tubes being warmer is more of a myth with todays tube amps because companies try to win end-users over with their analytical, open sound. Then it can be ear fatiguing for some after a while. If anything, more of the solid state gear is warmer and more rolled off due to a lack of separation in various forms of music. Solid state often has thicker, rolled off sound until you get into the really high end solid state.