Tube or solid state

In fact there are very few tube amps of any cost that will outperform a very basic modern transistor amp.

Nonsense. I wonder if spaceguitarist is pals with kenjit?

The answer to the OP's question must include tubes somewhere in the chain.

@fixto maybe I missed this but what is your budget for both?  

If you match your components carefully, any combination can sound good.

lectronJH50

$12.5K Bladelius ODEN Integrated Amp 😲...😲 It’s ALIVE !!

https://highfidelity.pl/@main-998&lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJEt5Mb2zi8

Bladelius is now shipping these to the USA !! They cost a little more in the USA 

All new ASK Integrated amp out now that is even cheaper !!

www.bladelius.com/news/

The $6K Bladelius Audio ASK Integrated Amp, this changes everything now ! 😲

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdVHG8_Y76M

Very Uncanny 3D Sound Like Really Good TUBES TOO !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWtuf0C54_U

 This is why these amps Sound SOOO GOOD ! 

www.bladelius.com/about-us/

https://highfidelity.pl/@main-4308&lang=en

www.bladelius.com/news/

www.bladelius.com

Had a Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated amp (ss) with an ARC Ref 2SE phonostage.  Awesome combination - added some tube flavor to the music. I think the ss/tube combo is a good compromise.