Affordable SS that sound like Tubes

Interesting that you mention his Mac mini.  When Op states that he use to be 100% vinyl, but is now fully digital, but likely relies on a computer for streaming.. something is wrong with my understanding of the situation.

@vonhelmholtz  No, I think you have a perfect understanding of the situation. 

Also, rather than “as good as tubes”, maybe you could let us know what specific audio characteristics would constitute “as good as tubes”.

@vonhelmholtz As the OP mentioned he has no intention of replacing his prized tube electronics.  This is more of a rhetorical question to make us all spin our wheels for no reason whatsoever.  He just wants to stroke his own ego and make the point that his QS electronics offer very good value for the price and likely can’t be beat by SS at a similar price.  That’s it.   This is a fool’s errand prompted by a guy who’s admittedly not looking for a real answer and just looking for an ego rush, so don’t waste your time any further because it’s not worth it.  What he should be focusing on rather than wasting our time here is replacing his ancient Mac Mini with a decent streamer from this decade. 

You seem very happy with your Quicksilver electronics and are unlikely to improve upon them with solid state at your price point.  If I were you I’d focus on getting a good streamer rather than that outdated Mac Mini that’s doing you no favors whatsoever.

“Affordable” is insufficient.  What’s your budget?