Interesting reading here, quite a variety of views. Anyway, here is my pick for best and worst based on experience from approximately the mid to late 80's.

Best solid state I've repaired: Would have to be an early 70's Sony I repaired about 8 or 9 years ago. I replaced the horizontal SCR and power supply regulator and gave the CRT a light rejuvenation. After that it played like a million dollars! Awesome color and excellent sharpness. The guy has had it since it was new and he said that was the first service ever needed on it. I talk to him once in a while and he said that set is still going strong.

Worst solid state I've worked on: I think that would have to be one of those GE's with the griplet solder connections. The first shop I worked at we used to get truck loads of those. They played good once they were fixed though.

Best tube set I have worked on: Maybe I am a little partial to Zenith but the "boat anchor" metal cabinet tube Zeniths I have fixed all seem to have an outstanding picture and color. Apparently, they are very durable too. Once in a great while I still run across one and repairs are usually quite simple like a HO tube or damper.

Worst tube set: I have worked on a few of those wood coffin looking table model Magnavox tube sets. Generally good color and picture but the sets I have worked on seem to have numerous bad solder connections. One I can remember having to spend an hour or two just soldering cold solder connections on the PC board.

Jeff