Within their operating range, solid state amplifiers can generally reproduce the original signal more accurately, that much can be proven with a spectrum analyzer. However, you may or may not want to accurately reproduce the original signal, and you may or may not want to use the amplifier within its operating range.
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Originally Posted by Nelson
Whats wrong with comparing amps within their linear operating range? Have you ever heard a company claim 'our amplifier sounds terrific when drivin to hard clipping'?
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Not with that exact phrasing, but driving an amplifier to clipping is exactly what's done when distorting an electric guitar. So yes, guitar amp manufacturers DO claim that all the time.
Most people find tubes to sound better when overdriven, and some people prefer the sound that tubes add to recorded music. So when comparing tubes and solid state, everyone should consider that amplifiers are used for different purposes and people have different preferences.