Right, but WHICH desireable characteristic sound do you WANT? There is
not just one "tube sound" but there are many different sounds all
possible
to obtain, both with tubes and transistors.

Alright. I want Ampex 350. I used to service one of those.

You want analog tape saturation? Why didn't ya say so? :-) Tubes aren't
gonna get you there, my friend. Are you using a computer to record? Have you
tried a tape saturation plugin?