In the most recent issue of TAS there was a "forum" of TAS writers, all or virtually all of whom preferred tubes. When it came to explaining why, they all sounded like morons, coming up with explanations that would make Douglas Self blow a gasket.

The bottom line is there's just something about tubes that, for me and many others, makes listening to them less fatiguing and more musical. When I bought my first "high end" system, ss, I found myself listening less over time. When I listened to a tube amp, I found myself listening more. Maybe I'm deluded by the beautiful glow. Maybe I love distortion rather than "accurate" ss sound. I don't give a hoot.

The bottom line is, in my view, you owe it to yourself to listen to a tube amp and make your own choice. Many have been seduced.

• Tempest and Pi Construction Pix