This is a good thread and I'm glad someone brought up the topic. I'm also glad to hear of the choices offered in the Shanling player. I'm interested now in checking that one out.
I use the MF Nu-Vista running into an ASL headphone amp and a MF Tri-Vista integrated. I very much enjoy the sound of acoustic music with the tubed CDP and amplification. With electronic music, which is probably 80% of my regular listening, I find that the all tubed headphone listening gets a bit too airy with the tubes. With classical, free jazz and free improv, rock, international and vocal music, the music has real presence that I don't get with SS gear. But with the electronic music, I don't need the air. I need detail. So I'd sum up my reactions by saying that SS provides the advantages of detail with the higher end players when listening to electronics, and the "presence" of tubes is absolutely essential when listening to all other kinds of music, which probably covers the tastes of most people on the Audiogon and with the public in general.
I use the MF Nu-Vista running into an ASL headphone amp and a MF Tri-Vista integrated. I very much enjoy the sound of acoustic music with the tubed CDP and amplification. With electronic music, which is probably 80% of my regular listening, I find that the all tubed headphone listening gets a bit too airy with the tubes. With classical, free jazz and free improv, rock, international and vocal music, the music has real presence that I don't get with SS gear. But with the electronic music, I don't need the air. I need detail. So I'd sum up my reactions by saying that SS provides the advantages of detail with the higher end players when listening to electronics, and the "presence" of tubes is absolutely essential when listening to all other kinds of music, which probably covers the tastes of most people on the Audiogon and with the public in general.