I feel tubes give a more "musical" presentation than solid state. Tubes, especially in a single ended application, tend to give a very lush/sweet midrange and high end. SE amps can have less tight bass, that's where solid state excels. You can equal SS or get close with some push-pull tube designs. SS just always sounded somewhat lifeless and sterile to me. On that note I have a SS amp that I love. But when doing serious listening for pleasure the tubes get fired up. I suggest that if you ever get a chance to hear a good tube setup do it. If you're able to come to Dallas next year for the Lone Star Audio Fest you can hear some very nice setups, tube and SS.