I've yet to hear a solid state amp whose reproduction bears even a passing resemblence to any instrument or any voice, but quite a few SETs that do. So the question is: Fidelity to what?

Good SET amps do not sound fat. I've heard quite a few that do, but remember, I said *good*. Not only good design, but equally important, good quality key parts, particularly iron and power supplies, but also caps, resistors and wire. The ones I listen to regularly sound extremely detailed and precise, without losing the organic sense the sand amps never have.

But, chac un a son gout, which, of course, is French for "to each his own goo."