Tubes vs Solid State - Imaging, Soundstaging, 3D

El tubo even order harmonico bueno, solido stato odd order mundo problemico.

I've heard a lot of systems and a lot of combinations (pre and amp) of tubes w/ tubes, SS w/ tubes (both ways) and SS alone. In general I prefer "some" tubes in the system to SS alone, basically because tubes seem to add harmonic texture. Whether you call that distortion or not, well, I don't care. It sounds better to me.

SS alone does seem to be cleaner sounding, tighter, perhaps with more bass punch in general. All tubes seem to be very rich, but that doesn't have to mean sloppy.

IMO it is more important to match the amp with the speaker to get the best control, be that a tube amp or a SS amp. Then get a preamp that tunes the system more to your liking and both complements the amp and helps true up any deficiencies. We all know it's a synergy game and sometimes trial and error is necessary to get the best balance that works for your ears and musical tastes.

****A rebel? Perhaps.A businessman first and foremost.****

You know, I just don't get why some people feel the need to get one of their useless little barbs in. Here we have a guy (Ralph) with the knowledge and talent to bring something meaningful to the discussion, and who is willing to take the time to help those of us who are only capable of scratching the surface of a complicated subject, and instead of showing some appreciation, cynicism has to be thrown in. I have no relation to Atmasphere and don't own any of their products, but I am grateful for his contributions to these dicussions. His comments make a lot of sense to me. Obviously, we dont always have to agree with any one person's viewpoint; but, when a guy is capable of designing equipment which consistently gets great reviews and commentary that focuses on how all of the "mumbo jumbo" actually relates to MUSIC and things other than the usual lame numbers game, I for one, am going to listen. If I misconstrued the comment, my apology. OK, I feel better now.

+1 Frogman.
Another observation with cynical replies like Wc65 mustang's, there's hardly any meaningful followup or contribution . Just an opportunity to get in a smarmy remark that's supposedly witty (but isn't). If there's more to say, lets hear it. I don't always agree with Ralph (or anyone) but I certainly respect his knowledge and contributions.
Charles,

It's not always clear on this site who is in "the business" or not, so I have no problems with that being pointed out.

In the case of Atmasphere, it would be silly to question his credentials, and he obviously knows what he is doing.

He is in "the business" though nonetheless and selling products as are many others here so that is always worth knowing along with all the other good information that he and others share for free here. It all just goes with the turf I would say. Comments/opinions should not be censored. Anyone should be free to disagree with anyone at anytime. I would say though that it should also be done in a civilized and respectful manner though. A sense of humor doesn't hurt either. Home audio is not life or death, just fun, business, whatever. Everyone just play nice and we should all be fine.

At least that's how I look at it...