Tube sound is not about warmth. It's about correct presentation.

I think, first of all, with SS something is missing. It's a negative coloration. Then there is always this metallic element to their sound. That's positive coloration.

Softer metallic sound is still the same metallic sound.

Hybrid amps are SS amps.

Of course. More organic, more natural, closer to reality.

It always upsets me when I hear that some speakers are intentionally made to sound their best with SS. In my book this is a very wrong approach and I will never consider such speakers.

SS is kind of digital, in a manner of speaking. Tape and vinyl are not perfectly quiet yet they are superior.

Yes, it is, bpoletti. Voicing is another matter.

ghdprentice, excellent post. Not only because I fully agree with what you said.

In other words, good tube amp just sounds right, the way it should be. And that's kind of magic, yes.

asctim, this is a fascinating hypothesis. Interesting reading about photography too, though I didn't really understand everything.

Tubes can go a long way in revealing the strengths of the speakers.