Solid state to tube

Suggest you also try an ARC pre-amp if you can.  They have been "known" for building quality pre-amps since the early 1970's.  I recently bought a used SP-6A for about $800.00  It is miraculous, and I was using LUX tube pre-amps before that, which were not really "bad."

Just a suggestion.  I am sure you will be pleased with whatever you finally buy.  Be sure to try it IN YOUR ROOM before you buy if you can.

Cheers!
 

Another kudo to Quicksilver. I’ve been using all QS gear for the past 20 years. The stuff is built to last and I have never had a burp from any piece that I own. If you check the site you will see that most of the amps are now discontinued. Mike is still making the Mid Mono. If 40 watts is sufficient I can’t see you going wrong with those!

http://quicksilveraudio.com/amplifiers/

I agree with the posters here who say audition a tube system. I use a tubed preamp in my main system. My other vintage systems are mostly tubes which I enjoy. It’s a big jump to all tubes so take it carefully. Consider that tubes wear out and they are expensive, there is heat involved, there can be biasing problems, and the occasional melt down ( ie. Red platting, which I had on one of my vintage amps). Music can have less bass impact as ss systems. You my not care or notice but that’s why you should audition. Aside from all of this, they sound wonderful, but consider in my opinion I don’t think I’d want my main system to be an all tube system. That’s why I use a tubed pre. Hope this helps. 

Yes....tube pre with SS amp is your best sound IMHO.....Audio- gd tube pre with PT GaN 400 has my Pendragons swinging wildly. Love the combo.

Again this comes down to the manufacturer.  Now all products provide the same sound quality.  You need to determine first the sound you are looking for.  There are many different tubes that all have different sound and there are different amp designs such as Class A, etc.  Your budget also have something to do with it.  

 As far as comparing SS to tubes, you will get similar answers on the differences here, but in reality, a good tube amp design will be equal to SS in terms of dynamics and slam.  Tubes in general can offer a longer decay of notes and more of a 3D soundstage that SS cannot provide.

You need to do your research and listen to different tube equipment and learn why they sound different.  There are plenty of custom designers around if you want to go that route also.

As far as reliability, sure there is heat but that is where the design comes into play.  Point-to-point wired?  Bias adjustments?  Tubes wear out sure - so do capacitors and resistors.  I do not agree with less bass impact comments.  It comes down to the tubes and the design.  SS has limitations that IMO compromise sound quality.  

Happy Listening.