How big of a difference do amps make?

I had to look up the HK Citation 16--apparently it's still a fairly well respected amp (?).

Also your question is very theoretical--you'd do better asking "what amp is best for Merlin TSM's"--& there are tons of threads already on that. But yes, most people use tubes with Merlin's.

But with a "cheap cdp", your system will only sound as good as the "cheap cdp".....with expensive speakers like Merlins, it's like putting Pep Boys tires on a new BMW......

*I am sure others may have traveled a similar path. So i am looking to hear their experience going from ss to tubes.*

I, & I'm probably others, could go on for hours about going from ss to tubes, & back again. The real issue is: What kind of SPEAKERS do you have? Do they need lots of SS power? Or are they designed to work well with lower powered tube amps? (Like Merlin's).

Merlin's like tube amps--any Merlin owner will tell you that. So still debating SS vs. tubes--what's the point? (Unless you sell the Merlin's & get some power hungry speakers that need big SS amps).

BTW, as far as amps--there are people that design their whole systems around their tube amps--even esoteric expensive amps like Cary 805's say.....(I always wanted to own those).....