One other thought as I just looked at this thread....Audion Silver Night 300b integrated. I have used their amps in the past and they punch well above others in terms of quality and sound. The EL sterling was my main amp for many years, just recently went to an Audion Special Edition with Takatsuki tubes and numerous inputs and remote.....quite stellar.
I also use a 2a3 FI -X which is amazing....less power but sublime for sound. Sometimes I think I like the 2a3 sound more than 300b, I am pretty familiar with Frank's speakers as I had the first pair here in the PNW, and I have heard the 18's at the dealer here who also represents Audion.
Message me and we can talk more if your are interested.