I would be careful saying that tube amps are always better than solid state amps...there are afew people who would disagree...some of them packing quite a weighty punch in their opinion...for example...: Dimebag used Randall solid state amps for many years, Wayne Static of Static-X uses Marshall Valvestate,Chuck Shulinder of Death did as well.

Then alot of guitarists use only digital processors...the guy from Scissor sisters uses only a Pod XT live...no amp...and as far as I know, Savage Gardens touring guitarist also uses a Pod straight into the house P.a....not really guitar bands...but the dudes must do it this way because they find it works best...

all that said, I am a tube snob...and prefer tube amps in general, even though I really like the sound of some solid state amps.