Looking To Match A Tube Amp With A Pair Of Audio Note AN-K/Spe

If you are talking about an AN Kit amp, I don't think they are affiliated with Audio Note (uk).  They have put together similar gear based on Audio Note design and buy those parts that Audio Note  offers to the market, but, that does not mean they are as good as the real deal.  They may be a good bargain, but, that is not to say they are the same.  

Still, I generally like good EL84-based amps because they are lively, and punchy without sounding hard and brittle.  I prefer that tube over something like a KT88 or 6550, KT120 or KT150 or other more powerful tubes.  Some EL 34 amps are decent, but, generally, I prefer 6L6 or KT 66 the most among pentode/tetrode tubes in common use.  There are exotic types, like 350B and th3 349 that I like even more, but, those are extremely rare and expensive (I own a 349 pushpull amp that puts out a whopping 5.5 watts per channel).

Among low-powered triodes, my favorite is probably the 45, but, it is a very low-powered tube; that tube would be followed by the 2a3.  

If you had to choose between a push-pull EL 84 at say 20W or an SET 2A3 say at 8W to push the K's what would you prefer?

Not that much to go on, but the safer bet would probably be the EL84 amp.  My 6.5 watt Kageki (parallel 2a3 SET) amp is enough, for me, with my 99 db/w speakers, but, I don't play my music that loud and on some music, the amp does seem to loose a bit of steam (doesn't really distort, but it stops getting louder).  My speakers are considerably more efficient than the AN-K speaker.  The issue is whether you prefer the sound of the 2a3 when playing the vast majority of music, and if so, how much would you be willing to give up on the capability to play very loudly.  I prioritize good play at very low volume level myself, and the Kagekis deliver on that score.  For the record, I currently run a pushpull 349 amp that I actually prefer to the Kagekis in my current system; both are good, the 349 amp is a bit richer sounding and is a touch more dynamic.

Thanks again for the responses Larry. Based on what I'm looking for, your comments only reinforce the gameplan to go with a pair of Empress' when circumstances allow me to come into possession. Take Care,  -Scott

HATES anything Mundorf. I have not done any serious comparisons myself, but he has, and does not like them in either amps or speaker crossovers. He also hates Duelunds

please don’t take this opinion as gospel. I would suggest that the dealer is out of line with about 95% of the rest of audiophilia and may be pushing an agenda.

Duelunds are widely regarded as the best caps out there (no affiliation).

just one opinion as to where Mundorfs and Duelunds lie in the food chain:

https://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html