I recently did an in-store audition with the Primaluna Dialogue (38W) on a set of Dyna Focus 120s (4ohm, 86 db, impedance dips below my 52SEs). The Prima is the best amp Ive heard, for my taste, since Ive started the upgrade path... which is starting to look more like the opening chapter of an epic journey.
As for SS, Ive listened to the Exposure 2100, Bel Canto 1000 and Ayre V5-xe, but wasnt feeling it. The McIntosh MA6900 came close, but didnt seem to have the presence and life I felt with the Prima... the engaging sense of decay... plus a little aesthetically show-offy for me, to be honest.
I threw a wide range of sounds at the Prima/Dyna combo -- Black Keys, Stereolab, Brad Mehldau, Count Basie and went louder than I typically do at home (have a 40w Rotel that never goes past 12). Either I didnt push far enough or dont have refined enough ears to sense when the sonics are degrading.
It has been suggested to me (by those who know the Prima but have nothing to gain from the sale) that I shouldnt have problems with my 52SEs as the Prima plays bigger than its 38W power rating... but Im still not ready to pull the trigger because of the various concerns Ive been reading.
Ill probably go back and push the Prima/Dyna combo a little harder... if anyone can suggest music to help spot deficiencies and/or point out what I should be listening for... Im all ears.
As I dig deeper... I keep uncovering compelling SS alternatives to glass. The one that seems to stand out is the Red Wine Audio 30.2... so may have to give that a listen as well.
And have also heard good things about Simaudio, Music Fidelity, Van Alstine, Accuphase... all more or less in my budget, available for audition and totally off topic here.
Oh, dear...