How big of a difference do amps make?

Tubes, semiconductors or IC It's all matter of design, but you can't wear size 12 shoes when your feet have size 8.

Congratulations Elizabeth. Don't drink the Kool Aid. It's not what we hear, it's what we think we hear. Often, cause and effect are not as direct as we assume.

Ngjockey,
When you purchase your audio components do you choose by how they sound or how you 'think' they sound?Who are the Kool Aid drinkers? why is liz`s viewpoint any better or worse just because she prefers SS amps,it`s simply an individual choice.I`d never say tubes are better for everyone, they just are for me so far.
Regards.

Gsm18439, as an aside... how do you like your Takatsuki 300Bs?? How do they compare to your previous Sophias?

I'd trade my beloved tube pre to a SS before I'd ever trade my tube amp. However, it's nice to have both.