Tube amps that kick ass?

Just for the record, 'Solid, tight bass' does not describe real bass- that sort of description makes me think of transistor bass, which is to say it has punch but no definition. If you want definition, you have to have tubes.

A lot also depends on the speaker load. If you want the tube amp to have as much slam as possible, avoid speakers that are 4 ohms in the woofer region. Your tube amp dollar will be better represented by a speaker that is at least 8 ohms. The output transformer will have better bass extension and greater efficiency.

Thanks to all.

Ya, I should have mentioned the speakers that I am driving...

I have a pair of Vandersteen 5A's. And now that I think about this.... the 5A's have a powered sub woofer. Not that I didn't know this already.... I just didn't consider this fact when I wrote my initial post. So anyway, I guess the tube amps won't actually be helping much in that area - da.

The 5A's are rated at:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
22Hz to 30kHz + or - 2dB

EFFICIENCY
87dB at 1 meter with a 2.83 volt input.

RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER
40 TO 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms for the upper section, 400-watt subwoofer amplifier built in.

IMPEDANCE
6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum.

CROSSOVER
100Hz, 600Hz, 5000Hz and adjustable H.F., 6dB per octave.

did nobody said KR Kronzilla?

Luxman has a relatively new offering, the MQ-88, that I use in my primary system. I love this amp! If you have an opportunity to audition it, I suggest you do, as it seems to meet all of your criteria, depending on what speakers you will be driving and the size of your listening room. It sells new for $8000.

My new dedicated sound room (theater and 2 channel) will be 17.5 feet wide by 22 feet deep.