I've always used a solid state amp. My current preamp and the two before it were tube. The previous preamps had great warmth and that tube glow. Some music sounded fabulous and some not so much. My current Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp is not as warm sounding, but it does a good job with just about any recording that isn't a crappy recording.
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.