Monitor Audio Silver 8 - Power Handling

@jdekehoe, The Parasound A21 will be overkill, A23 will work just fine and you can buy a tube preamp with the money left over.  You can also look for a used Belles, Bryston or B&K power amp, good stuff.  For preamps, I am partial to 6sn7 based ones.  Btw, I listen to classical primarily as well.

@213runnin, I'm glad you mentioned the NAD as I was just looking at some of their amps today.  I wish I had a dealer closer to home for auditioning some of the other contenders.

@rotarius, in what way would the A21 be overkill?  Higher quality than the speakers? or output?
I would love to eventually upgrade to MA gold or platinum series speakers, but that is a ways off.  I would however like to get an amp (now) that is "qualified" to drive even the PL 300s with commensurate resolution/detail/etc.  

Does anyone have experience with the Bel Cantos?  I've read good reviews on stereophile.

jdekehoe, the A21 is overkill because of the required wattage.  You keep bringing up resolution and detail, sonic differences in good quality SS amps are far less than differences in preamps and sources.  There is a good chance you may not hear any difference between the A23 and A21 with your Emotiva preamp.  Tube amps are a different story. Your preamp choice will make or break your system. 

@rotarius, thanks for the insight!