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Someone did this a few years ago but I can’t find the link. It would pass in a double blind test but I suspect if someone realised it was a DSP then it would instantly be unpopular.

Most of the tube sound actually comes from the terrible performance and lack of linearity of the tubes.

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I understand the point of view, but aside from the analogue vs. digital debate of passing double blind tests of final output, in my personal experience the real big difference is in real-time when the sound is being produced. The subtleties of latency and transient responses, microphonic feedback, and distortion while playing are what make tubes preferable for audio. I suppose it’s not unlike comparing driving a Tesla and a rear-wheel drive combustion engine car - the outcomes can certainly be similar, but the process is vastly different.

I think they sound terrible so it’s definitely subjective :)

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