I'm not so keen to can the digital stuff,it's improving all the time,I think Pro Tools, despite being awfully expensive is starting to sound better at last. tho we still use the nuendo here, as i think the interface between digital and analog is great.
Being an old bloke, I think one of the most important things is the interface between the two mediums.AD|DA stuff is important, though you have to hear it, and cant really just go on speck. All audio can sound great,for example certain types of distortion are great for guitar sounds,etc and bono used to sing thru a guitar effects unit!
Valves, or TUBES as you guys call them, are very warm, but you have to be careful when mastering, as they arnt always accurate, and colour the sounds heaps.
At the end of the day, It just comes down to what you like, and the more stuff you have the more versatility.
The amplifier in the pic is spare parts that were lying around the workshop, the big bit is a linear power amp, using 1930's 79 tubes for phase changers, and 807's for output, wired linear,we call it the lounge toy, the sub amp underneath,is linear with two KT66's following a special pre eq circuit, using an 833 chip.
The turntable is a THORENS, and has no rumble or feedback to speak of.
Marty Shields, Martstone Amplifiers Tasmania.