I have to second Leafs on Coincident. If you were to buy into the new UHS series, the Cary 2A3 would be a great match. Not the ultimate 2A3, but you get a lot back in terms of service, support, parts availability, upgradeability, trade-in value, and dealer network. Assuming you have the sensitivity to handle a 2A3, you may find as I have that it is superior to the 300B. Better bass, glorious you are there mids, and a clean treble. I would get the speakers first, and then move on the amp. That is the way to go with tubes/SET, in my experience. Your Arials are definitely not SET friendly, though they are way too great a speaker to give up on. You may want to keep this in mind; don't underestimate how much you will miss them when they are gone.
Jumping into SE tube amps. Suggestions?
After having purchased a small integrated tube amp for my son, I find myself wishing to venture into the SE tube amp world. I own an SF Line 3 pre, but am for the most part a tube novice. The Cary SE amps interest me, the 300SE caught my eye, but I have "0" listening experience with any tube amps and don’t really wish to limit possibilities based on manufacturer or output tube type. My taste in music is very much varied. I don't wish to assemble this system based on a specific musical style, but if I were to pick a specific genre that I listen to the most, it would be the Blues, Jazz a close second. After reading many of the threads on tube amps, I realize that there may be trade-offs, and a little loss of bottom end could be tolerated, but I still like to hear the “Big Drum” move the room in the “Blue Man Group” CD. Don't know if this is going to be possible without a sub, but give it your best shot.
To make this an even more open ended proposition, I would most likely have to replace, or purchase a second pair of (hope "she" doesn't read this!) speakers, as the Aerial 10t's are not going to like a 5-15 watt tube amp. So, if you have suggestions as to high sensitivity, high impedance speakers that work well with a specific SE tube amp, I welcome those suggestions as well. Please, no horns need apply.
Total cost? Let’s try and keep it <3k (used) for amp(s), and if you wish to recommend a speaker, <3k (used) as well.
Bottleheads, let’s hear from you. Thanks all.
To make this an even more open ended proposition, I would most likely have to replace, or purchase a second pair of (hope "she" doesn't read this!) speakers, as the Aerial 10t's are not going to like a 5-15 watt tube amp. So, if you have suggestions as to high sensitivity, high impedance speakers that work well with a specific SE tube amp, I welcome those suggestions as well. Please, no horns need apply.
Total cost? Let’s try and keep it <3k (used) for amp(s), and if you wish to recommend a speaker, <3k (used) as well.
Bottleheads, let’s hear from you. Thanks all.