I'd just like to point out that not all tube amps sound "sleepy" or "slow." In fact, that's not a function of the tubes but the amp design itself. It's a very common myth that tubes make everything sound warm and mushy. That's not true. In fact, there are tube amps that sound snappier and more detailed than a lot of solid state amps. So in short: you're not hearing the tubes so much as the amp.
You probably know this eke, but I'm just posting it for anyone lurking who might see your impressions and think "yup that's tubes." These misconceptions have only gotten worse over the years because of the huge influx of cheap Chinese tube amps. The Chinese specifically love the "warm / euphony" type signature for their cheaper gear. Also you have people like NwAv's minions who scream bloody murder about tubes, claiming they add all this distortion.
Never mind transistor mist.