Solid State vs. Valve amps ?

Hope this question is excepted on this group.

I did not want to ask the question over at the Valve Forum, because every one there will probably be Pro Valve.

As a guitar player i know a wee bit about all-valve (guitar) amps.

But when it comes to vinyl/record player valve amps, i know nothing.

I s'pose this will end up as a multiple question :

* What is the advantage of valve amps over SS amps ?
* Can you have an SS pre & all valve power amp set up ?
* Can you hear a difference between SS and valve amps in the rig ?
* Do you need specialized speakers to take advantage of a valve amp ?


Any extra info will be greatly appreciated.


Cheers

JP