Constant noisy tubes maybe go solid state?

@jackd  agreed. I have a Schiit SYS now in the chain between the QS and the Odyssey. A slight drop on the SYS’ volume knob helps as well as switching the input at startup. Not sexy but it works.

As for attenuators, I have a pair of 12db one (I forget the brand but not Rothwell) and I’ll dig those out and try them again. I did use them briefly after getting these speakers and felt they degraded the sound but I’ll try them again. 
Thanks

Worth a try if you already have a set and you may or may not hear a difference with one of the Pro Audio versions. I only had one combo where I thought there was a slight dulling of the top end but that was a different brand of amp than Odyssey.

As to the SYS, who cares about sexy if it works and fits in your current budget.

If down the road you decide to swap preamps and don’t want to deal with a tube one a great option with your speakers is to find a used Wyred4Sound STP-SE which is a really good combo with the Odyssey amps. The first two thirds of it’s volume control is passive and then the active buffer kicks in. I never had it kick in with the Odyssey amps or even get anywhere close even with 83db Vandersteen Treo CT’s.

Also if you haven't heard back from Mike about using 12AU7's in place of the 12AT7's via e-mail pick up the phone and call him as that's the preferred method of communication for a lot of the "old timers" in the industry. 

@jackd  I will definitely look to the W4S preamp. Semi OT, but have you any experience with their phono stage?

You can't assume one tube brand will have less noise than another, each tube must be individually tested.

Gochurchgo: noise testing is a must on any tube you order, especially since it's been established that your system gain is high.

I believe tubes from Upscale include testing for noise and microphonics. As far as "Kevin's Stash," I'd like to hear your impression of these tubes. His Platinum rated tubes have a triode balance of
10% or tighter, I wonder if the "Stash" will make an audible difference.

@gochurchgo 

No experience with EJ's phono stage just the preamp which I still have around and a pair of amps from about five years ago.