are tube amps better than solid state amp?

I saw a comment on AA relating to Art Dudley's December column and I wanted to see what it said, so I started a digital subscription. AFTER I made my payment, I discovered that, depending on which part of the confirming email you read, it either takes 2 weeks or 6 to 8 weeks to start a subscription. Assuming the 6-8 weeks reference is really for print, that means it takes the Circ. Dept. two weeks to send me an email with the URL where I can download my first issue. That's very strange; it only took them 5 minutes to ding my charge card.

Returning to the hobby of audio systems after a long recess, the web forums seem to offer new resources for picking systems. Unfortunately, in my city, dealers no longer exist. Yet, the combinations/permutations of available components seem to have exploded. Without a dealer, it appears very difficult to decide on the proper matching of components, interconnects and cables.

RIAA: Those CD rips of yours are still "unauthorized"

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/200...authorized.html

So I am using Bel Canto's DAC3 and am very pleased. I run cd/dvd through my Sony 999ES and cable and iTunes into it.
I watch movies on my 2 channel system and THINK I could get a better picture. I am also considering going high def video with BR or HD DVD.

I want a new player and my needs are as follows in order of importance:

excellent as a transport for audio
high quality video and MUST have upsampling for dvd and/or high def
preferably under $800
detachable power cord preferred
can be out of date model

The owner of the local indie record store told me the other day that vinyl sales have been climbing steadily over the past year or so, and he now sells more vinyl than CDs. This applies to both new and used titles. So I'm curious, is this a widespread trend, or just a local aberration?