Anyone has a reference system where amplification is SS ?

I do think in many cases people just can’t handle what they get with good SS gear so they resort to tubes in order to calm things down a bit.

Also tubes are of course all glow-y and way cool looking so there is that.

Maybe 4 or 5 high end makers using Class D or GaN SS the rest is just cheap junk. Especially NAD and Cambridge.

I’d call it very good value and many reviewers would agree but to each his own.

Purifi and Hypex are generally regarded as pretty much SOTA technology.  

Well no doubt if appearance ie size weight and cost are considered in identifying a “reference” system, the “best” will likely pretty much have to incorporate many tubes and be quite large heavy and impressive looking.

The competition at the other end of the spectrum could be a tiny unassuming and spartan looking Class D amp from a number of high end makers.

So make sure the test to determine is a blind one. It could be a Samson versus Goliath scenario physically and we all know where any bias based on appearances would exist there. In fact to judge the biggest and most costly tube amps out there anything less than reference would be a major letdown.

the instant I put anything on I could tell everything about the venue and recordings… mastering.
 

Well what do you know…my hifi can do that!  
 

Look ma. no tubes!

This changes everything! A reference system not based on 100 year old technology? Who would have that? The SS makers better get their act together!