Tubes vs Solid State - Imaging, Soundstaging, 3D

All we've heard so far is a generalization of 'large' amounts of NF. Nothing specific or specific for specific amps has been stated. There clearly remains a beneficial amount at which comparisons of tube and ss amps' performance level may converge. Hence the ongoing debate and differing preferences. There seems to be an awful lot of objective statements being made under the guise of subjective view points though.

Well, all that matters usually comes out in the end. You just have to trust your ears. There is no equation or theory that can account for that 100%.

My view is there are many aspects of design that matter. I've yet to determine that any single one is always the determining factor. Most things are a matter of degree,not black and white. Only ones ears can determine how it all adds up.

If this were not the case, then all the smart engineers in the world would more or less be designing things pretty much all the same way. But obviously they do not. I suppose that's part of what makes this stuff interesting.

Cutting tech hairs perhaps, but I'm wondering what is the distinction between noise and distortion?

Wouldn't the harmonic artifacts introduced by NF be considered a form of distortion rather than noise?

I think of "hiss" as a form of noise. I think of harmonic anomalies as a form of distortion.

Both are obviously unwanted, but maybe worth clarifying to avoid confusion in the interest of talking apples and apples.

I did find this dewscription of the difference between noise and distortion.

It would seem to infer that noise is a "random" artifact.

Artifacts resulting from NF would not seem to be random, so I am wondering if that qualifies as noise and can be considered as a factor in a discussion regarding noise floor?

Back on the "life is too short" topic, see This

Paul and Yoko now buddy buddys. "Life is very short...." indeed!