MBL 101E and tubes?

I have a pair of Audio Research Ref300 MkII tube mono blocks, rated at 280 watts each. Would they work well with the MBL 101E? I really like the 101E, my only hesitation is whenever I have heard them they were always powered by huge MBL soild state amps and they sounded 'loud' to my ears. I'm wondering if the Ref300 would soften the sound a bit and if they would be enough power?

Anyone experience the 101's with other power amps?