Why is solid state more popular when tubes are better?

OP…“Regarding reference systems recently mentioned above. While very respectable, these seem to be professionally grown Systems revealing precise characteristics of music being played that may not be enjoyable for longer-term use.”

Sorry, I am not going to re-read the whole string again. But I think you really nailed it here. The system I had (with high end solid state amp ten years ago), I called my reference system because the moment a new cut came on the venue and mastering was in my face. The level of detail was out of proportion to the musical content. The bass would slap me in the face and chest. This has absolutely never happened in a concert unless some audio engineer turned up the treble / gain too much.

From years attending the symphony, I learned that all the venue clues are there, but the are subtle, not in the foreground, the bass is there but spread out over a half second… not slapping you in the face in a microsecond. 
 

A well designed tube amp gets the gestalt right… it doesn’t overemphasis details. It gets music right. 

@sbonamo 

Sorry to have misinterpreted your post. 
 

But thank you for allowing me to bring up a point why good tube amps outperform solid state. 

@ghdprentice 

Love your main system room, the only thing I would change is the addition of a pool table. How cool to have a party in this amazing space, and addition of a flatscreen.

@emergingsoul 

Thank you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the space. Fortunately I have a couple OLED flat screens upstairs. I dedicate the downstairs to music, books, and art. 

Luckily, there is one correct answer: tubes are NOT 'better'. 

On the other hand, I find blue much better than red. But sour better than sweet. Both are certainly scientifically documented.