I think that the sound difference may be a direct reflection of the listener having to justify the cost. I used to own an McIntosh tube amp but gave it up when solid state came out. Solid state had more power and less distortion. I can understand why some folks would want that warm distortion, but I can't see the huge prices for it. I also used to own a Revox B77 tape deck R2R. Gave it up when CDs came out. Time and technology march on. Good to see vinyl making a comeback so I can get rid of the 650 albums I have, that sound no better than the CDs and MP3s that replaced them.