IMHO, in this hobby there is a tendency to project from the specific to the general. So we hear a difference in the Mac between tube mode and solid state mode and we project that difference onto all tube vs. solid state. No, all that is learned is what that specific Mac sounds like when used in the differing modes, not the differences between tubes and transistors.
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.