The discussion is about the digital source, and my response to your post, which is an entirely subjective take on the subject, is that, by your admission, tube amplification colours sound. The benchmark has to be transparency, even if some prefer a warmer sound or whatever. This, and the use of tubes, is not the discussion point.
It’s what you said, which contradicts the idea of reference grade. It is not a function of price. Neither is preference nor bias. The onus is on you to explain what you said.
I’m guessing that if we were to compare a line-up of linear power supplies, everyone would be on the same page by saying the best is the one that has more favourable measurements. We may then make compromises on features and aesthetics, but ultimately, we are comparing the LPS with a reference point.
However, as soon as listening and an audiophile are added into the mix, common sense is thrown out of the window, and some enter into pointless competition. Next time, please respond, rather than react to what was said … or, as the community guidelines say, remember to criticize ideas, not people.