Tubes vs Solid State - Imaging, Soundstaging, 3D

I have found both solid state and tube equipment to have their positive attributes and limitations. I really enjoy both. The problem is that at the price level that I am willing to come out of pocket for equipment, I have found that it took me years to get to where I am currently at equipment and sound reproduction wise. I have auditioned some solid state equipment that were absolutely excellent imaging, soundstaging, dynamics, etc. I have also auditioned some solid state equipment that left me seriously questioning the designers ability and sanity. Same is true for my experience with tube equipment. So, here we go. most opinions are typically biased because they are starting off at a different listening, enjoyment level than others and they also have a totally different price point whereby they can audition or purchase equipment. So, as I have mentioned many times, not only is it correct to compare equipment "apples to apples" based on price point, but it is also correct to recognize that some people have inherent biases that they don't want to change. Sound quality, music types, equipment types (tube or solid state), cd vs analog, democrat or republican, etc. You can go to equipment shows or auditions and can't get people to even agree on the types of music to demo the equipment on. I understand that people may have preferences. What I don't understand is that some aren't willing to agree that the other side may have a correct view also. I learned years ago that there may be more than one right answer. Just because it doesn't agree with mine doesn't make it any less correct than mine. But I will tell you this. Life is good and all things considering, I'm enjoying the ride. Good and not so good. I enjoy the back and forth, as long as insults aren't part of it. And, (yes I started a sentence with and), Although I currently use two Mark Levinson 23.5 amps, which in my opinion are still better than many much higher priced amps today, I would take the Audio Research REF 250 amps in a heart beat. If I could justify the expense. They are some of the best amps (tube or solid state) I have heard.

Sorry for the long post.

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All electronic components have a certain amount of noise associated with them that is additive through out the sytem. Look at the specifications of any device, solid state or tube and there are specs for the noise associated with that component. Therefore, signal or no signal, the circuit in questions will have some noise. Whether the gain in the circuit is there or not, there is noise, regardless of whether you can here it. It is measurable. The noise floor is there period. gain is added if gain devices are present and more noise is added if grounding is not good or ground loops are present. So, start off with a specific amount of noise (noise floor) of the device under test. It is there regardless. Connect this device to others and the other device's noise is also added. now you have system noise. For example. CD transport has noise A, DAC has noise B, Pre-amp has noise C, amplifiers have noise D. The total noise will be A+B+C+D. And if you have bad grounds or power line noise, then that adds also. Also, regardless of tube or solid state, a competent Engineer/Designer will design based on the noise, gain, input impedance, output impedance, load, etc. They pick electronic devices based on the load/gain characteristics and also based on the specified noise of the device. But, you get what you pay for. You want terrific gain/impedance devices? you want really low noise devices? you want devices that operate from DC to light? well, you will pay for it. This is also why some electronics costs soooo much.

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