Sunnyjim, it's not the tubes that prevent "glare," it's the design of the master clock to prevent jitter. Poor jitter control is the primary cause of that "glare" sound produced by CDs.
I'd agree with what Charles1dad stated, which includes the quality and design of the DAC circuitry.
I'd agree with what Charles1dad stated, which includes the quality and design of the DAC circuitry.
There are "colored" tube players and there are exceptionally honest and pure sounding tube players. SS players can be colored just as much, just in a different direction/characteristics. I've heard excellent examples of both and poor versions of either. I'd focus on quality of analog circuit, power supply and designer talent/ implementation.