Looking to move to a Tube Integrated setup

If you are more use to to the dynamics of your SS or Class D amps driving your 98db efficiency speakers, it could be quite an initial change to your ears dropping to one of the 2-4w single ended amps suggested here.  It's not that you won't like it, for awareness, it is going to sound different, likely more billowy and plush and less punchy and dynamic comparatively to the amps you've tried so far.    

imo, the key here is trying a few different amps with your speakers. The recommendation to demo a few amps a with return policy might be worthwhile so you dont get stuck with something you don't like, and/or allowing the amp merry-go-round to continue through two or three more tube amps to get closer to what you are looking for.  

There are some tube amps that sound very close to solid state amps, clear, dynamic, yet lacking tubey characteristics you might be after - so its worth figuring out how to try a few different integrated tube amps or a separate tube preamp and separate tube amplifiers to match with your speakers. Or, maybe end up with a handful of different low watt single ended and higher power push pull amps in your stable for a while to try and narrow down different results and sounds you like more. I find taste varies from one person to the next about what sounds good to them.     

What impedance are your 98db speakers (4,6,8,16 ohm) etc?

@dekay I stopped in reply, restarted, and missed your prior post, only saw the MA352 post above yours. Good to know - for crying out loud. We read ya, LOL :)

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@jijoh123 Long story, have a 50yr audiophile buddy who’s been through at least 8 different Decware, Cary, Inspire by Dennis Had SET 45 and 300B 2-8w amps, also owns Cary SLI-80 40wpc, and custom EL84 amps at 20w. Geeze, 5 others prior to this. He’s back to looking for a higher current SS integrated amp to better drive and control the drivers in his 96db 8ohm tube friendly speakers better. He listens at mid to lower listening levels. If it were me, I’d be excluding the 2-8w fleawatt tube SET amps for those speakers and 4ohm impedance. Been down this path myself, and the higher quality amps with real iron in them, both SS and Tube, made the most difference for me.

Are you into the more modern uber detail sound some like these days, or the softer and more plush laid back type of sound others crave? Live demos with your speakers is the best way if possible. Best of luck.

@jijoh123 I recalled this same recurring question about "which amplifier" to use with versions of the Tekton Moab in 2020. Impedance was the overarching concern. Link is below for your reference. 

The Moab owner determined his Moab speakers were truly running down in the 3 ohm range. This will take a capable amplifier to drive those drivers properly in order to evoke desired result. Most tube amps like 8+ohms loads. If you have the same version of the Moabs, maybe find an amp that can do 2ohms without breaking a sweat fwiw. Confirming your speaker impedance load matters here. Best of Luck.

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/1912637

jenglemann "Having dealt with some tube amp anomalies after installing the Tekton MOABS, I decided to measure the actual resistance and found mine to measure 3.1 ohms.
When I moved the speakers to the 2 ohm output terminal on the amplifier, it resolved the issue.
The amplifier manufacturer suggests not tapping for loads less than the output tap rating. Again, this is a tube amp. Might measure your MOABs to see what the actual load is on the amplifier. Also keeping in mind that the resistance can drop when being driven hard. This could be a factor in choosing a new amp.".

"@paradisecom You can also look at the Conrad Johnson CAV45 S2 or a used McIntosh MA2275 for other options."

By chance did you have a chance to try and compare either of these to your former Cary SLI-80 - If so, what did you like more about either of them, or in different ways?

Thanks @paradisecom I had an SLI-80 Signature with upgrades five years ago, reluctantly sold it to try some different SET amps, and a pair of ultralinear monoblock amps with more power with my speakers. 

Similar to the OP @jijoh123 I am reconsidering parting with one of my Class A SS amps and preamps to help fund a nice Tube integrated to swap in rotation every once in a while. Might be willing to look in the $6k range. Following along here. Thx 

@jijoh123 do you have any local chapter audio folks around you within an hour or so from your city, town?

I ask because I've taken a few of my former amps over to other people's houses and try them, to help them get an idea on their speakers in their room. A few members here still do this, and it can be a quick way to learn differences. That's one thing I do like about smaller mono amps  weight split in halves at say 45-50lbs each vs big 90-100lb stereo amps, not so easy to move or pick up and take to other peoples places to try out. Last few times I did this, the people ended up ordering tube amps within a week, and they both had Class A/B solid state amps prior.