Tube vs solid state (with all apologies)

Of course there is tremendous SQ difference among SS amps, just as with tubes, just that tubes will be substantially more expensive for a similar SQ.

I have no problem with tinkerers - I can't even fix my bicycle.

I can second every word @millercarbon wrote.  Absolutely my approach. Keep it simple. A good 'speaker with easy load and smith like 92-94dB and a high quality integrated about 40-50W is probably the easiest way to get a good enough sound for sane money.

As for the tubes, look for a good design that doesn't put much pressure on the tubes and it will last for many years trouble-free. I had several EAR Yoshinos throughout the years and never had to change a single tube. With my current LTA Z40 the tubes are running at lower current (about 1/3) and cooler than most amps. So I hope it to last for many years. 

First off, I gotta say that I follow my father's tradition of being totally manic in maintaining and gently using all mechanical/electronic devices. I'm also sure I've already reported on a tweeter failure with a Celestion SL600. But allow me to recount my sorry litany. 

I think I already posted this once, but I had to send my SOTA turntable to Berkeley/Oakland a couple of times -- when the bearing began to growl, and when wow climbed to the level of my sister's 1966 Mustang's under-dash eight track. SOTA, I must say, was extremely solicitous and helpful in setting the problems straight.

A tonearm bearing got a bit clicky and loose. Was it my MMT arm? Or the Black Widow?

Two portable phones -- one a flip phone the other a recent Samsung. Both phones were quickly dealt with by sympathetic retail outlets.

And oh yeah, off-topic... The neck of my beloved Dimbath violin came unglued when I relocated from bone-dry SoCal to humid Hawaii. I sent it back to L.A. and Benning Violins for repair. Esteemed luthier Hans Benning phoned and told me in his German accent, "Zees things happen."

Totally off topic but speaking of guitar amps, as a teenager I was jamming with a friend who left his Fender Champ in his car trunk on a hot day. When he set it up and played his guitar through it, I had never heard that amp sound so good.