Solid state amp vs tube amps

Here is an interesting article on this subject!

I’m glad this topic finally came up!

But seriously, I’d have to say that while high-quality equipment can definitely improve sound quality, I’ve found that room acoustics have an even greater impact. This includes differences between tube vs. solid state. Don’t get me wrong, good equipment design is still important, but acoustics can significantly influence how you experience sound. In fact, I recently added additional diffusion in my listening room, and after adjusting them properly, the difference in sound quality has exceeded most other gear improvements. There is real power of optimizing room acoustics – it can surpass the benefits of many equipment upgrades.

Once a room is fairly well dialed in, though, at *that* point you have a truly level playing field and any additional changes to gear can be evaluated with more objectivity and confidence.

A key question to you, OP, is whether you have the room as tuned in as it could be? If not, that is the next lever to press.

I agree. The room acoustics are very important. That said, there are great amps of both types. I have two systems, one is all tube including the cd player, and the other is completely solid state. I enjoy both. If you have a high-end store near you, where you can listen to both, you should do that. I always preferred tube equipment, but I found some solid-state equipment that I really like too. Good luck.

@marquis4099 - I don’t think anyone has asked yet, but would love to hear more about your motivation behind the question? Are you embarking on a search yourself? Or is it more of an academic question? 
 

If it’s the former, you’ve got a potential audio adventure in front of you. Going to listen to solid state and tube amps is a treat. To your original question, I don’t think I’d actually heard a tube amp before. When I finally did, I was hooked. And my fate was set. Tube amps just sound more relaxing and inviting to my ears. 
 

Ask yourself why most professional electric guitar players use tube amps...then ask yourself, "why am I talking to myself?" Is it OK to like both SS (bad look when abbreviated) and tube amps? I have efficient speakers so I enjoy an excellent tube SEP from Dennis Had, and I rotate in a Pass XA-25 (Nelson Pass likes designing "tube-like" class A stuff) which might be the best sounding amp Pass makes. Tube preamp. Also, tubes might simply be more fun...do you have a box of transistors that you like to look at like my drawer full of tubes? Hold a transistor up to the light...yeah man...uh...no. My Pass amp just sits there, my tube amp glows.