Switching to solid state amp?

You should listen to Ayre offereings

I used a tube amp (845). Due to high tube mortality I decided to move back to solid state camp. It took me a while to find a replacement, an amp that sounds close to what the tube amp had given me. I settled down on Karan amp. I think this the closest.

I was going toward a similar path as you, although a bit in the opposite direction. I've always had brystons and spectrons but was wanting a little more musiciality so after a ton of listening I ended up mating with a hybrid tube pre (AR LS-17se) and loved what it did for the sound. It opened things up so much but after a while of listening something was missing, although I couldn't put my finger on what. I ended up trailing a few tube amps (quickie v4's (with both kt88 and 120), AR 100.2, and rogue. After those sessions I realized I could deal with the lack of the Brystons muscle in return of the holographic sound of the tubes. I was all set on getting a set of the V4's and was sold on tubes when John from Audio Connection (Verona NJ) had me listen to some of his Belles amps. First the Aria integrated, then the aria monos....literally had one of the best sounds (to my ears) to the point I stopped wanting solid state or tubes , it didn't matter as the amor just sounded good. Usually when I demo something I make mental notes on what stands out, maybe what's missing but with the Belles I just listened....for hours. 
John ended up letting me demo the sa-100 and it was game over. 
In the end everything is system dependant and everyone's ears are different but with the Sa-100 I feel I got the listening experience I wanted with tubes and the reliability of solid state. I can't say enough about Daves products or Johns expertise. 
Give Belles a listen if you have the opportunity 

Although im not in your price range, i am really enjoying my Rogue RP-5 preamp, Nuforce sta200 amp and Zu speakers. My ss amp has higher than normal gain (speakers 101db) , however, the hiss is hardly noticable at listening position. 

Great bass with the smooth mids and highs. I m still thinking about tube amps, however, i do not want to give up that bass.  Im thinking of a Firstwatt myself. 

Thanks for all the recommendations.  If I do make the switch to SS Pass, Ayre, Wells Audio  are all being looked at.  Btw anyone hear Wells Audio amps.  If I stay with tubes Conrad Johnson, Atma-sphere, Quicksilver are currently on the top of my list.  A third option would be a nice integrated amp.  Pass int60 or Gryphon Diablo 120.