[quote name='Pete Academy' post='806796' date='Apr 15 2010, 08:19 AM']Valves seem to create a powerful midrange that cuts through without any tone boost.[/quote]
That doesn't make sense to me. Every amp is different with a different frequency response, so while one amp might require you turn up the mids, another might not, and they could easily both be valve amps.
I understand that nothing "quite" works like a valve, but IMHO technology has come so far as to make them redundant. Perhaps you do want that "natural warmth" that a valve gives you, but it might be cheaper and easier to get your EQ and compression/OD right, or use a modeller. Likewise it's perfectly possible to make a totally "transparent" valve amp, with absolutely no "natural warmth".
I know loads of people will disagree, but i've not yet read anything rational about why SS can't do what valves can.
It's a big like an argument we had about modelling. There was one member on here who claimed they could tell what kind of amp someone was playing from OUTSIDE a venue. It just doesn't make any sense. There's EQ on the bass, there could be pedals, compressors, all sorts of different cabs etc. Some people are just irrational.