Solid state amp vs tube amps


Is there a noticeable difference in the sound quality of Tube amplifiers vs solid state amplifier?

marquis4099

IMHO both can sound great. Tube amps always sound good. As takes more monaaay. 

I have always used tube amps all my life but recently started looking for a solid state amp because of the growing unreliability of currently made tubes. There are some solid state amps that can make tube enthusiasts happy because they will sound a bit like "tube amps", but the problem is the price, as you have to pay considerably more for a good solid state amp than for a decent tube amp. For me, for example, Vitus Audio SIA - 025 is a wonderful amp I could replace my tube amp with any time, but the price is very high. 

I’ve had the Pass XA25 for 4 years. My speakers are 100dB and could be driven by a small watt amp but I like this sound. 3D sound stage, quick, clean, natural and easy to listen. This amp is made without the usual 2nd harmonic distortion signature that Pass usually has(correct?). Single ended and plenty of power. Note: I use a passive preamp so it is all the amp that makes this nice sound. I have been tempted to try a tube amp but wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money so I doubt it would "beat" the Pass in my system.  Another consideration is tubes.  Since we have banned Russia this has pushed valve prices up.  I saw a pair of tubes the other day for $2500 or so.  I know you don't have to spend that but I don't really want to fiddle with my equipment all the time.