I've run tubes and solid state on some of the most revealing speakers ever made. I always strive for clarity, extension, and smoothness. For solid state (all used), Rowlands and Plinius, are very smooth and rich sounding. The Pass X-150 (I just sold one) is more lean, but excels in clarity and extension, plus dynamics.
HELP: I need a solid state amp with a tube sound
I am very much into tube amplifiers, but it seems that they need alot more maintenance than SS amps do. Is there an amp out there that will get a good tube sound, but with low maintenance of an SS amp? I am working on my budget and I will probably spend about 2500 for it. I already have a tube pre-amp that I like, a Zen ZTPRE, and does a good job for my needs.