Well, as ever in audio, nothing is rarely so simple and straightforward.
I agree with where you're coming from, but if a good designer has access to better components in the first place (read as being more accurate, or measure within closer tolerances, and then by judiciously implementing them in key parts of the circuit), chances are he'll be able to build a better amplifier, than one without access to such.
It's really as simple as that, although we could debate the efficacy of it until the cows come home, and still not agree, so best not bother
No, but you will then be faced with the inherent problems/limitations of SS, as outlined earlier by Anthony. Nothing is perfect!And as I mentioned already, nothing stops you from using the same exotic passive components in a solid state design
Yes, but that doesn't take into consideration other aspects of the circuit involved. You have to compare like with like, and as I said earlier, consider the context in which something is being applied, or not applied, in this case.And no matter how good your coupling capacitors and output transformers are, they will always be worse than no coupling capacitors and no output transformers
Yes, of course, but why should that automatically be a problem?What I personally don’t like about tube amplifiers is that to get them to really sing, you have to use them with certain speakers...
It isn't if you use the right ones, which can easily be sourced, and then simply live with them and bask in the joys of valves (done well). Unless you're a serial box/speaker swapper, it's not an issue to relax and enjoy a settled system.
Also, SS amps themselves aren't devoid of speaker matching problems. As ever, you pays money......
That simply doesn't happen, when the right valve amp and speakers are used. Ask anyone who knows me just how diverse my music tastes are, who's also heard my system, and they'll tell you that the music I listen to is certainly not being dictated by my choice of amp!...and even listen to certain kinds of music. This seems a bit limiting to me.
Like Dennis, you clearly need to hear a really good valve amp, partnered with speakers able to maximise its potential, in order to 'update' your opinions on valves.
Marco.