That "tube sound" and power ratings

"That's definitely true that in the studio it's processing the signal - but at home, tube amps are often doing the same thing. It is a form of distortion. Not all tube based systems distort this way, but I do see lots of listeners using underpowered amps for the speakers they have."

Just to clarify, I was talking in general theory as to what is expected of a home stereo. Reproduce the original event as accurately as possible, etc... You've heard it all before. I wasn't suggesting that everybody approaches their system that way. There's the 2 extremes, and most people are somewhere in the middle.

"Tubes are a great way to emotionally get close to the music - I think of tubes as a way to create an illusion that performers are in the room with you - but I never think of this as accurate or neutral - but it can be very involving..."

Why not? When you go see live music, do you expect it to be accurate, neutral and not emotionally involving? lol. I know I do. I want it to sound just like my stereo system at home.

Zd- say again? Just that last paragraph - not sure what you mean.

,
Live music is all about inducing emotions,
involvement and simply being fully engaged. That's the joy of music's
ability to communicate. Tubes don't totally equal that live experience but
they bring me much closer than any SS amplifiers I've heard so far (25
years of High End awareness).How can something be considered
"accurate" and fail to be involving? The more effectively a
component can mimic live sound the more involving it will sound. This is
what I call "natural" sound or realism. In my personal discovery,
SET amplifiers have pushed me the furthest in this beautiful direction and
there's no going back. Everyone must find what works best for their needs
and ultimate satisfaction.
Charles,

Thanks to everyone who posted here - there most certainly is more to this than meets the eye, and ear!