Horns + tube amps: can they handle LOUD like SS?

I was inspired by the SET thread currently running, but
wanted to take the thread in a different direction without
disrupting the original.

FYI, my history is all SS... but do I run 2 sets of high-
efficiency Klipsch speakers: La Scalas (104db, 8ohm) +
Forte II's (99db, 8ohm).

That said, I've read countless statements that SET/horns
are just the milk and honey. Sam Tellig for one raves
about small-wattage (any given day he probably mentions
something from 3.5 to 8 watts) SET amps and horns in
glorious harmony.

I haven't heard that combo myself - but I always notice
the caveat that even with high-efficiency speakers, there
is something missing about ability to play loud (there is
always the hedge that "subjective sound is louder"... ok,
sure... but what about the real, honest limits to the
power output?)

I've heard clipping from 100w SS amps into an easy 104db
8ohm load during heavy passages... (no, I'm still not
deaf) - this could be an effect of the particular impedance
curve of the speakers, but that's irrelevent - if 100w
of SS can't muscle it, how can a 3.5-8w SET amp?

Some of us (metalheads, not Patricia Barberheads), listen
to horns for their unmatchable ability to present a live
and engaging experience, with transient response that's
faster than a steel trap. Others love the lush, effortless
nature of the midrange and sweet highs when paired with
tubes... the later seem to be the majority.

I currently run a 200w MOSFET CJ amp into my Klipsch
La Scalas, and am more than happy... they can both sing
and bruise as called for. Can a SET/horn combo deliver
the same? Do other tube amp designs make more sense?
What about push/pull, pentode, etc...

How did Ritchie Blackmore, Leslie West, Tony Iommi
et al. rip the doors off in the 70's? Probably not
on SET guitar amps!

I've been eager to try some tubes with these horns, but
even with the efficiency, it's taking me more than 100w
of SS power to deliver the experience I want with the
proper control. What tube designs/philosophies can
go there?

Obviously, I am no tube pro. Any primer fodder that
you offer won't offend. I've seen a little, but not
enough.

Thanks for your thoughts!