Digital or analogue ?

Reading the recent posts contrasting film and digital cameras, there is a similar discussion to be had in audio circles, between valves and transistors.
I prefer my DSLR over my film cameras, but I prefer listening to music through (modern)valve amplifiers, and to my ears at least, the sound is smoother, livelier and somehow more realistic.
Any other valve fans out there?

It is true that although transistor amplifiers will give better lab results in tests, when tested by human ears valves are better.

Unfortunately, valves gets very hot, attract dust, deteriorate gradually in use and are now very expensive.

I'd like to be a valve fan, but it's too late for that now.

Well, John, not all human ears prefer valves. The "pixel peepers" of the hifi community most often prefer transistors because (I believe) it's better on most hifi parameters. Even dealers and builders of valve stuff have told me that transistors are best buys unless you go for top end stuff (+1500£ for an amplifier) With valves the sound is smoother - the mids often excellent but you don't get the same slam in the bass.

Never owned anything with valves myself (I'm from the transistor age), but would like to try some day.

I hope so! I've got 62 new old stock listed at the moment - the more expensive the better!

I've got a couple of amps but only one ever gets used and they're both transistor based. I've listened to quite a few valve amps and I do quite like the sound but I'm unlikely ever to buy one to be honest.

I was really interested in hi-fi up until several years ago when I stumbled across my ideal amp/speaker combo and I've stuck to it ever since. I've not felt the need to buy anything new for years now and my bank balance is grateful...

After years I finally bought a Quad 99 Amp to go with a pair of Tannoy speakers. Quite happy now.

Learnt me trade on valves.

A 2n3055 is a singularly Oggyproof transistor, but they do not sound as sweet.

mmmm Denon.

(That sounds a bit like an advert...)

I never even thought of that, will never be able to look at my amp in the same way again!

Give Hybrid or FET Amplifiers a chance as well.
Or match a Transistor Preamplifier with a Tube/Valve power amplifier (or vice versa).

Just my 5¢ on this subject.

Niklas