Even though I agree with Thorman on the solid state and tube converging when the price goes up statement, but I agree with John more on tube still create a more life like imaging, texture, and ambient than solid state. This also applies to power amp unfortunately.
Cary SLP-05 Vs High End SS or Tube Preamp's
The battle of tube verses SS is still a raging debate, but I wonder if board users by characterize how a mid-priced tube preamp like the cary compares to the higher end solid state pre-amps like the MBL 6010, Ayre KX-R/1xe, ML 326S or the Simaudio P-8? Like wise, what do you get moving up within the tube arena with an ARC Ref 3, BAT REX, or VTL 7.5?