I have been a tube amp user for many years. Last year I decided to try solid state as part of a downsizing exercise. After 9 mo of misery I have gone back to tubes. I just got a tube amp and am waiting for a tube preamp to ship. I have only heard 3 VTL amps including the one you owned and never thought they exhibited the virtues of tube amps. They all sounded more like a solid state amp to me. Good tube amps should excel at the reproduction of acoustic intruments provided the rest of the system is properly matched.
I don't know if your speakers match up well with a tube amp, which could also be an issue. If your budget is under $2k I would suggest you audition some Quicksilver Mono amps.
I don't know if your speakers match up well with a tube amp, which could also be an issue. If your budget is under $2k I would suggest you audition some Quicksilver Mono amps.