The answer to this question will be based on your personal set of preferences. There is a clear differnce between SET's, higher power SS amps, horn and cone speakers.
Personally, I have rarely heard a higher output Class A/B, SS amp I could live with. The only exception is an amp I could'nt afford, the Dartzeel integrated. In general, I find the set of choices implicit in a higher powered design, produces a sound I dislike. I like tubes and SET's in particular. On the other hand, I have'nt found a Horn speaker I have enjoyed, which means I am not going to find a speaker with 100+ DB sensitivity.
My choices then, tend to be limited to conventional cone speakers of higher sensitivity, with higher output SET or other Class A Amp. I am willing to accept the loss of base extention you tend to find in cone speakers about 92 to 96DBs, as I am a classical, Singer Songwriter, Jazz kind of listener. So, I am using 96db sensitivity Daedalus DA_RMA's with both a 20watt Ayon Spark SET and 50watt Class A hybrid, Pathos Inpol. This combination is ideal for me, it won't be for others with different priorities. It also means there is'nt an ideal combination, just as others have mentioned, a particular set of compromises in Speaker and Amp design, that suits your needs. Vive La difference
Personally, I have rarely heard a higher output Class A/B, SS amp I could live with. The only exception is an amp I could'nt afford, the Dartzeel integrated. In general, I find the set of choices implicit in a higher powered design, produces a sound I dislike. I like tubes and SET's in particular. On the other hand, I have'nt found a Horn speaker I have enjoyed, which means I am not going to find a speaker with 100+ DB sensitivity.
My choices then, tend to be limited to conventional cone speakers of higher sensitivity, with higher output SET or other Class A Amp. I am willing to accept the loss of base extention you tend to find in cone speakers about 92 to 96DBs, as I am a classical, Singer Songwriter, Jazz kind of listener. So, I am using 96db sensitivity Daedalus DA_RMA's with both a 20watt Ayon Spark SET and 50watt Class A hybrid, Pathos Inpol. This combination is ideal for me, it won't be for others with different priorities. It also means there is'nt an ideal combination, just as others have mentioned, a particular set of compromises in Speaker and Amp design, that suits your needs. Vive La difference