I'm new to valves, and this forum so forgive me for intruding. I must say though, playing through a valve amp for the first time was a semi spiritual experience
Hearing the tubes sing to me as I hit the overdrive, leaning the bass against the amp and just wallowing in a bed of feedback, driving it even further with compression and hearing that amazing warble effect as the tubes break up and die out.
That said, I can really appreciate a lovely hifi solid state sound.
I guess its a case of horses for courses. But I'm pretty sure my horse is hot and glowing and sings when you slap her