Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)

Tubes if you are a hobbyist and like to fiddle around and roll them and deal with problems (how often depends on the amp). You can get a great sound for solid state with no hassle. My motto KISS.

@edcyn - clearly you are the exception. Please let us know the SS amps you had problems with and the tubes that are super reliable, long lasting and maintenance free (for decades without periodic tube replacement).

Excellent tube preamps are not cheap. Like amps, typically cost more by a good amount. Unless cost isn’t a major issue, I’d trade for a really nice SS integrated, or add a SS preamp.

@pauly - you definitely are the exception. Everyone I hear from talks about replacing tubes after some cycle time depending on the amp, environment, usage, volume, etc. You must have some super tubes!  Or maybe they are replacing them because of sound degradation and that doesn't bother you.

Not sure since I never owned tubes and don't plan to. SS can deliver just as good SQ, depending on the amp.

@smolder - so if new tube amps use new tubes because they can't get a quantity large enough to standardize a model design with old stock, that further adds to the cost and complicates things as you need to shop for tubes as well.

All the more reinforcing my SS decision, not to mention the heat they produce, not being able to leave them all the time so you have to wait until they warm up to sound up to snuff, etc. etc.

I think they are fine for hobbyists who like to tinker, but they are not necessary for highest quality sound and certainly not for simplicity of operation.

@tvad - then why do tubes claim certain life expectancy? 

Of course there is tremendous SQ difference among SS amps, just as with tubes, just that tubes will be substantially more expensive for a similar SQ.

I have no problem with tinkerers - I can't even fix my bicycle.

@pauly - I am just going by what I have heard from dealers who sell both SS and tube equipment and many contributors to this forum, and from my brother in law who has had to replace tubes on multiple occasions because of problems in addition to having to install a fan to compensate for the excessive heat they radiate (also it was to rid his room of cigar smoke). I have listened to his system, which sounds very nice when the fan is turned off. I am sure he has spent several times what I have on his system, which is fine for him.

He ended up replacing the amp with a very expensive Conrad Johnson set up, but still uses the fan when needed, which of course detracts significantly from the optimal sound of the system. 

Maybe he just had bad luck along with all the other posters who say they are problematic or at least needing care and feeding, but I think maybe you've just had good luck. He is still committed to tubes because he thinks they sound better without ever trying solid state.