Describe ube sound vs solid state

They both sound very close to real music, if done properly.

It would not be hard to fool most anyone by doing a blind listening test of chosen tube versus solid state gear. The devil is always in the details ie design, build quailty, quality assurance etc. Only audiophiles care about debating tubes versus SS. They are a finicky bunch and each has found their own nirvana no two of which are likely to sound exactly the same.

And who would the most appropriate subject of an ABX test be? IOW, how many ss guys care about similarity vs how many tube guys care. Ime, the ss guys only want it to sound good while the tube guys want a distinct characteristic sound. Another pertinent question could be, how many tube guys agree to be ABX tested vs how many ss guys agree; strictly for the purpose of distinguishing tube from ss.

I have a great pair of W5-M monos with matching pres and a pair of Electrohome 7189 monos that sound really good. But I also have a GAS500, two pairs of LSR&D Superamp monos, and two Leach 125wpch stereo amps that imo surpass the tubes in sq. Not to mention the huge power differences. But like I mentioned earlier, ime the ss need to be cranked to really perform while the tubes do not. And I truly believe that's where the apples to apples comparison lives.

Tubes become a more desirable option to me if lower volume listening will be the norm.

It's certainly doable but I would not bother with a tube amp if higher volume listening is the norm. That's just me. Too many special considerations when putting a system designed to go loud and clear together. Some might consider it fun or preferable but I don't see any clear advantage in most cases.

I would also agree that tube lovers might often be motivated by the quest for a certain special kind of sound more so than just good clean sound.

Bottom line is its more about what one is after than the technology itself. Both at their best sound more similar than different but each also does its thing best differently. That's pretty much what makes the world go around.