@celtic66 +1 everyone likes something different. I’ve heard some low powered SET set tubes with high efficiency speakers that I thought sounded pretty great. Otherwise, it’s a matter of which set of trade-off you prefer. To my ear, you’re getting some mid range warmth, and giving up a more realistic bass performance, speed, and detail. That’s how it sounds to me, but everyone is different.Depends on what you like-there are excellent products in either flavor.
The difference between tubes and solid state that I am finding
I'm still a newbie when it comes to tubes. I have had the McIntosh C12000 preamp (with Moon 861, Eversolo A8, and Focal Sopra n1s) for awhile now. It is very enjoyable. I noticed when switch between Tube amp and Solid state mode the difference is very subtle. But when I do focus on it, I notice:
Tube sound: More open with a slight blossom sound. Maybe slightly more holographic. A pretty sound.
Solid State sound: More exact. Instruments seem more there and defined. More in my face. Bass hits harder to. But not as open and airy.
As far as brightness, I wouldn't say ether one is more softer than the other... the brightness seems same on both.
Am I correct in this is how the differences between the tube/states differ?
I really enjoy both modes.... but I think the solid state one gets me a little more excited.