I am in agreement with the comments of Charles and Lowrider above, but Audiolabyrinth has also hit on something very important which is implicit in Charles' comment but should be stated explicitly. It certainly helps to know what you like and dislike in output tubes.
Personally, I have never heard a solid state CD player that presented music with proper sophistication in the upper harmonics. That doesn't mean they don't exist, but it may be easier and cheaper to get this with tube output designs. I've heard SS digital rigs in the 60K price range that could't compete with 4-6 K tube designs in this area. Some may view this upper harmonic sophistication as a euphonic, non-linear, distortion, based on what measurements reveal, but if so, then I am partial to euphonic non-linear live venues. Tubes done well get me that which I seek in live music. Personally, I find it difficult to connect with music on an emotional level without having tubes in play in the system.
I've said this before, but at some point one gets to the level where you can't improve a system by making educated guesses. Generally, you have to bring equipment in and A/B with a variety of music to make the best possible choice.
Personally, I have never heard a solid state CD player that presented music with proper sophistication in the upper harmonics. That doesn't mean they don't exist, but it may be easier and cheaper to get this with tube output designs. I've heard SS digital rigs in the 60K price range that could't compete with 4-6 K tube designs in this area. Some may view this upper harmonic sophistication as a euphonic, non-linear, distortion, based on what measurements reveal, but if so, then I am partial to euphonic non-linear live venues. Tubes done well get me that which I seek in live music. Personally, I find it difficult to connect with music on an emotional level without having tubes in play in the system.
I've said this before, but at some point one gets to the level where you can't improve a system by making educated guesses. Generally, you have to bring equipment in and A/B with a variety of music to make the best possible choice.