Describe ube sound vs solid state

Ralph, can a ss amp have such low distortion as to make that comparison not tenable? I suppose a better question would be, have you ever listened to a ss amp without the typical characteristics you ascribe to them? Could you be fooled in an ABX test? Sorry, I really don't mean to take you to task this way but there always seems to be a need to arrive at a defensible position when this topic comes up. It's probably just me but my perspective is borne of observation. I mean the tube guys vs the ss guys. My goal is accurate to life sound. To this end, the fine detail I hear in ss is just not there in the tube amps I've auditioned. Nor is the bottom end drive/slam of a high current ss. Mind you they have been few and far between but always not impressive and very typical sounding. I find a lot more variation among ss amps sound wise.

Charles, your definition is very accurate. I recognize every aspect you describe in a 'lousy' amp. However, I also observe the attributes you mention in ss. Not sure how that would compare to a great in my estimation tube amp.

Czarivey, sure, and quite often distinguishing a true one from an imposter is similar to an ABX test.

What I find a little self-aggrandizing is the declaration that "Ive finally arrived at the perfect synergy and all there is to do now is enjoy the music". Hogwash! The objective fact is that no playback system even approaches live/real events. Not only that but it's being declared here on an 'audiophile' site where music is what facilitates the hobby. It's laughable. If I could acquire a perfect system, I'd sabotage my interest. It would then cease to exist, the challenge is no more. Fact is I love the hobby. Without the gear to focus on, I'd have to take up stamp collecting while listening to music.

Geoff, you may have missed Atmasphere's second from last post. I just wish he would name names. Just to add a bit of insight, I think solid state's main disadvantage is that to realize it's full potential, you have to listen to it at max output. IOW, attenuate via output power.

It appears Mr. Ridley has a handle on just what in general gives tube amps their character...'heat'. And it would stand to reason there's a correlation between output tubes and output transistors 'cookin' at full output.

And who would the most appropriate subject of an ABX test be? IOW, how many ss guys care about similarity vs how many tube guys care. Ime, the ss guys only want it to sound good while the tube guys want a distinct characteristic sound. Another pertinent question could be, how many tube guys agree to be ABX tested vs how many ss guys agree; strictly for the purpose of distinguishing tube from ss.

I have a great pair of W5-M monos with matching pres and a pair of Electrohome 7189 monos that sound really good. But I also have a GAS500, two pairs of LSR&D Superamp monos, and two Leach 125wpch stereo amps that imo surpass the tubes in sq. Not to mention the huge power differences. But like I mentioned earlier, ime the ss need to be cranked to really perform while the tubes do not. And I truly believe that's where the apples to apples comparison lives.