Tube Integrated With Clarity

No experience with Octave, but LTA sounds like a good choice.  It is definitely a tube design with clarity.  I had the MZ2 and Z10, which is essentially an MZ3 in a traditional package.  I would highly recommend the Z10/MZ3 over the MZ2, especially if you use headphones.

I have listened extensively to both the Octave V40SE and the V70 Class A the V40 is an excellent amp especially with the Black Box. It actually approaches the performance of the V70SE without (too close to call) but the V70 Class A is spectacular as a $10K amp should be. I'm a fan of Octave Audio and believe they make exceptional compnanats. Just my opinion.  

I’m digging all the suggestions, much appreciated. 
 

I’m going to have to look into Audio Hungary as well as Ayon more.  Both seem to potentially have what I’m after.  Some of the brands suggested I have owned ,McIntosh, others I’m just not drawn to. Sometimes aesthetics, sometimes I’m not even sure what it is, but they don’t feel like my style I guess. I hope that doesn’t come across as shallow. I’m just saying I find it similar to people where you are attracted to some and not to others. Far as attracted, I don’t simply mean looks but everything including the companies background/history. 
 

Anyways, I’m glad I have a little while to figure it out. The room this stereo is in doesn’t see much use till the winter months. I figure I’ll start selling some other gear soon and look to purchase in a month or too, depending.  
 

Again, thanks for all the feedback. Looking forward to more. 

I had a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II and with upgraded NOS small tubes it sounded incredible, smooth, clear, atmospheric sound stage and plenty of power.  

The kicker for me happened when I traded it in.  The dealer had been playing a set of HE speakers with a highly regarded Rega Elicit R integrated amp.  The Rega based system sounded smooth and pleasant.  

But when he tested my Cronus Magnum II in the system (stock tubes) it was a wow moment.  The thickness we didn't know was there with the solid state amp just vanished and a clear, uncongested airy transparency opened a window to the music with the midrange at its core, completely dimensional and much more musically real.  

Zombie thread and yet it’s begging for a recommendation of the Aurorasound HFSA-01, which fits this description better than any other amp I know (and, my experience on the merry-go-round is embarrassingly vast and circuitous).