high power tube amps vs ss

So, individual technical peeves and preferences aside, in the end here are things I think really matter regarding choice of amp and speakers to match.

1) If limited frequency range down to only 50-60 hz or so is your game, the world is your oyster. Many many good combos of both SS or tube amps and speakers to do that.

2) If full range frequency response flat to down below 40 hz or so is your target, now you have some important choices to make, especially for a larger room in that in the end, however you achieve it large volumes of air must be highly pressurized at low frequencies to achieve the goal. Choices are:

1) modest or low power tube amp + higher efficiency larger speakers. The lower power the amp the larger the speakers will need to be. Soft clipping of transients at high volumes is still clipping so you have to avoid that!

2) Higher power SS or tube amp with smaller speakers. Lower efficiency speakers will also still require more power. Class D amps may be the emerging technical solution that best addresses this. Otherwise those high power amps needed will be large , heavy, expensive to buy, and expensive to run as well.

Of course, for full range scenario, nothing wrong with using a low power SS amp in place of a tube amp. Or a larger tube amp with smaller speakers, although this is where the size and power required of the tube amp will result in limited good choices. Again, soft clipping is still clipping, so none of that allowed! :^)

I suppose another scenario would be like Petepapp describes, and you want to preserve your hearing. Soft clipping may be a good thing there, so a smaller tube amp might fit the bill for a full range solution with smaller speakers.

Very good point. Is it odd ordered harmonic distortion that causes damage within the average spl range we listen at? Will I preserve my hearing ability switching to tubes?

Distortion or not, high volume levels if overdone will damage your ears . Unfortunately many musicians(this includes classical un amplified genre also) suffer significant hearing loss over the years due to excessive SPL environments. Be careful and preserve your precious hearing sense.
Regards,