While auditioning speakers i used a 60 watt Pass labs aleph amp (don't remember the number) and an ARC VT100 mk II tube amp. The pass sounded good but didn't have the air or refinement on top that the tube amp had. The difference in bass handling was not noticable between the two amps though admittedly the ARC had more power. I went VTL and don't think i'll ever change except to maybe bigger VTL
