Initial cost for tube amps for a base can be cheaper if your running 1kw or less since you don't need a big power supply like you do for solid state. Most kilowatt tube amps should be able to run on 110 volts on non-continuous carrier modes. Once you get over 1kw, then you need (and should) run it on 220 volts which goes for both amps so that cost of running 220 to your shack needs to be considered.
I prefer solid state because I like the fact that the newer ones can be interfaced with most modern HF rigs for auto band switching. With my legal limit tuner with amplifier bypass, I can hit the tune button on my radio and tune the antenna(sort of speak) with the amp bypassed until the tune cycle is complete then be ready to go on the selected band.
I may open a can of worms for this, but as far as audio quality? I think it is in peoples mind which sounds better.
I hear plenty of amplified radios broadcasting daily and it is indistinguishable to tell if one is a tube and one is solid state. Once you find out which one it is though, then your personal preferences kick in and take over.
Reason why? because our radios aren't true HI-Fidelity and were never meant to be. I know seeing those big glowing tubes is a treat and I can understand that.
In the audiophile world, HI-Fi tube amps ( if they are even still being made) tubes can make a big difference. One reason for this is tubes can be driven to a higher level before clipping and distortion kicks in where solid state amps can sound terrible when driven hard then clip and can eventually fail.
I'm also a Bass player and used to play a lot in rock bands and still do when I have time. I run tube preamps but final out to solid state for amplification. This hybrid combo gives me the best of both worlds. Fast transients for the low frequencies from the solid state amp and delicate and articulate highs that tubes are known for on the high frequency range.
Is tubes really better than solid state sound wise on HF radio? If we could do a blindfold test with at least 10 people maybe the consensus will determine so.
