I know this subject is not 100% on topic but I've read plenty of material that suggests tube amp sound is considerably different that transistor and that most people that know what to listen for *can* tell the difference. Now I realize this doesn't cover general public or the "chain" of audio quality (speakers, the VERY important room setup, etc) but it relates somewhat here in that the general public also can't tell the difference between an MP3 and a raw recording - but I think there are plenty of people around that *can* and prefer raw recordings.

I know that's not apples to apples but I think the comparison applies.

I certainly won't claim that most people would know the difference. But the few that do tend to prefer either tube amps or really absurdly high-end transistor amps ala Meridian and the like.

__________________
---"Why do things have to suck so bad?" a friend once asked me.
"Because space is a vacuum and that's a lot of suck." I replied.
(Actual quote)---