Phil North wrote:

Now if people buying valve gear would just say its because they
*prefer* the sound rather than saying the sound is *better* (how can
it be given SS systems can reproduce it), there would be no problems :-)


Is it possible to prefer something and not think that it is better at
the same time?

No. but you need to be clear that the thing in question is only then
better within your subjective criteria by which you determine its worth,
and thus you probably wont be able to easily compare your something to
anyone elses, including convincing them that you really know its better.