Tube amp for "difficult" speakers,,,

If your speakers do present a difficult load, there is proabably no better all tube amp (hybrids would also work)to deal with dipping impedances the Music Reference RM9 Special Edition which is one of the few amps that actually increases power into 4 ohms (200 watts)compared with 8 ohms (160 watts) and that should be enough power to drive speakers with your sensitivity. However if I did have a difficult speaker load I would proabably look at the Pass XA.5 amps that Tvad recommends.

Ultimately your right, difficult impedance loads (not necessarily but jagged, irregualar dips and spikes) really do need SS.

The Music Reference RM9SE might work as it puts out 200 watts into 4ohms (from the 8 ohm tap on the amp), versus the 65 watts of the RM9 MKII. While it doesn't double power like an SS, it is a tube amp capable of lot's of power into low impedances compared with traditional tube amps. Another tube amp that I think would do the job would be a CAT JL2 - talk about BIG transformers... A tube amp won't do the bass quite like SS does, but I think a worthwhile tradeoff (that you keep to a minimum)with tube amps like the one's mentioned, including the large Manley's.

If you ar considering changing speakers, I'll second the Merlins (I own the VSM-MXe)which suit my taste to a T; 30 watts is enough for them to be loud and dynamic - The Ars Sonum 30 watt integrated that Bobby at Merlin is importing makes fo a wonderful pairing. But, that is a different strategy all together.

Good recommendation. As you say, ease of ownership is also an issue moving into tubes, and the Berning is about as plug and play as tube amps can be for someone making the move from SS. Not sure you can find a Berning anymore, I suspect it will be scare on the used market.

100% agree on the CAT JL2, which I owned for several years before switching to Atma-sphere M-60s which drive my "easy" speakers to perfection.