I have used several ss amps with the Forte IIs. Also, I sometimes use a Little Dot mkIII tube preamp with them.
This is where my credibility might go out the window... I usually use one (or two) super cheap t-amps, and love the sound I am getting. Right now I'm listening to a Musical Fidelity E624- Little Dot mkII- HLLY Tamp20- Cambridge Audio S-30 speakers nearfield and it sounds wonderful.
I know this disqualifies my opinion for many here, but I can only tell you my experience with T-amps has been very positive. I don't have a tube power amp to compare, but have heard and appreciated tubes. Mac is very popular with Klipsch owners.
The only aspect I feel might be wanting (with the Forte) with the right amp would be the lowest bass. Although I have tried several much more powerful amps, I find myself going back to my ridiculously tiny and cheap t-amps. They are both, perhaps not really "tube like", but smooth, rich and with little trace of "ss edge".
I would always recommend spending $100 for a t-amp for a back-up amp, and to compare other amps to. While you are sorting things out, you might ad a sub, and find yourself unexpectedly satisfied. (note t-amps cant use common ground so sub must run from preamp out)
I'm not an "all amps sound the same and high $$$ stuff is a scam" guy. I would love to have the $$$ to throw around on the big boys' toys. This is just my opinion, I've had a lot of fun bottom feeding lately.
