Look, just because one tubed system sounds soft does not mean that all will. Likewise, SS systems are all over the map from harsh to analog-like.
If tube design is done well, and I'm talking about power delivery, it will do everything as well and have a more liquid midrange. The highs may not go quite as high and the lows may be a bit flabby, but that is the compromise with tubes.
One of the best tubes for DAC output is the Siemens CCA grey-plate. I have a DAC with near-new ones in it. The highs are every bit as good as my SS DAC. The lows are a bit flabby though.
If you find a good design, then the only compromise with tubes is a bit of flabbiness in the bass.
If you want tight bass, then stick with SS.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
If tube design is done well, and I'm talking about power delivery, it will do everything as well and have a more liquid midrange. The highs may not go quite as high and the lows may be a bit flabby, but that is the compromise with tubes.
One of the best tubes for DAC output is the Siemens CCA grey-plate. I have a DAC with near-new ones in it. The highs are every bit as good as my SS DAC. The lows are a bit flabby though.
If you find a good design, then the only compromise with tubes is a bit of flabbiness in the bass.
If you want tight bass, then stick with SS.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio