Trying them is the rub. Best way to get some experience with different amps is to see if there is a head-fi meetup in your area: http://www.head-fi.org/f/24/local-regional-head-fi-meets-parties-get-togethers
Otherwise, better solid state amps should aim towards transparency. That is, they should do their best to accurately reproduce the original sound. Tube amps color the sound, often adding warmth and/or changes to soundstage. Buy something like an O2 or Magni, and you are already getting very, very close to transparency.
Since you are are new to this, I suggest getting a good solid state amp instead of trying to think of using amps to change the sound when you can't demo them. Especially since the differences (if any) between the sound of two amps can be very subtle. Any subjective descriptions of amp differences you find here may not be what you experience.
Plus, if you go with a good solid state amp, since they are aimed at being accurate for the money, you'll then have a perspective for understanding whether or not you want to get a tube amp in the future.