If you go tubes, I'd suggest a Herron VTSP 1A/166 because you ARE going to need the finely incremented volume control with the McCormack amp and, from epxerience, I know these two components match quite well with Vandersteens. First Sound is another fine suggestion.
Do not forget about passives. A Bent Audio NOH would fit in VERY nicely, IMHO. Make sure whatever passive is transformer-based, though, or you will sacrifice dynamics. Rumor has it that Steve McCormack will be comingout with a SOTA linestage one of these days, himself. I am waiting to try one, myself. :-)
