Tubes/SS Power Amps?

Orpheus, let me address a specific brand you mentioned - Herron.

I've attended the CES in Vegas for at least 15 years, although not the past two. Through that time I developed a very high regard for Keith's products since his room always impressed me as one of the most musical and enjoyable at any given year's show. Previously he utilized other name brand speakers but more recently he brought a prototype pair of his own design.

While not wanting to enter the debate on how much a tube preamp/line stage can influence the sound, I will say his line stage was tube based while his amps were SS monoblocs. The result was musical, without edge or distortion, dynamic, and could be listened to for extended periods without any fatigue.

Given your objectives, I wouldn't make a purchase without auditioning Herron.

I don't think that too many would disagree that through time as equipment has improved, there is less of a line between the very best tubes vs ss. I'm sure we have all heard terrific systems from both camps. I have heard great systems with all kinds of variations. As Tim suggested above (Noble100). I would chime in to say that very good class D amps, as mentioned or if on a tighter budget the new m amps from wired would be terrific with a good tubed pre amp. I am also fond of the newer Coda amps with a good tubed pre, I've heard very musical combinations there.
Good Luck,
Tim

04-15-13: Timlub
I am also fond of the newer Coda amps with a good tubed pre, I've heard very musical combinations there.

I am fond of the older Coda amps with a good tubed preamp. :)

LOL...Jmc...I think the same....I have a mixed system...for about 3-6 months (winter) I use my Modwright 9.0 tube pre into my B&K 200..Summer listening goes to my Coda CSi Integrated that gives me the sweetness as well...Happy with my Coda and Tube/SS combo for the seasons..Coda throws off some heat but not as much as two units combined.

@Shakedown, I'm running a Cary SLP-98P F1 with a Coda Model 11 amp (100 wpc pure Class A). The 15.0 might be about the closest current offering to the 11.