Guess cos I've just plugged in my HK 6500 after listening to a valve amp for a month or so, instantly bigger soundstage, real feel to instruments, most of them have loads of power on tap as well. You yourself went from a Sony beastie to a valve amp, why did you stick with the valve? I look forward to getting my valve amp back, but just wish I had room for two systems, I really would separate my record collecting into what sounds best with valve or solid state.