I recently moved out of my Copland CTA-402 tube integrated into a Plinius SA-100mkII and C-J PV11 and couldn't happier. Yes, there is some hiss if you put your ear to the drivers, but when music is introduced, it's wonderful! The ProAc 2.5s are happy and have all the power the need to pull the depth and detail out of the source material; analog or digital. Yes, tube rolling is fun too! I contacted the tube gurus out in California and took their recommendation (not their pricy product) to swap the stock CJ tube set. I am using Tele 12ax7s and RCA Cleartop 12au7s. I am searching for GE 5 Star 5751s to replace the 12ax7s and to one stock 5751. I just acquired some Mullard 12au7s and am anxious to try these in place of the RCAs.
Your decision should be based on the efficiency of your speakers, room size, music preference and budget. You're gonna get a lot more SS than tube amp for you $$. But, I personally would never have a totally SS system. This is the second SS/tube pre combo I have had; the 1st being the Aragon 4004mkII and CJ PV8 driving Maggie MGb's. The CJ replaced a NAD pre-amp, the result was stunning.
Your decision should be based on the efficiency of your speakers, room size, music preference and budget. You're gonna get a lot more SS than tube amp for you $$. But, I personally would never have a totally SS system. This is the second SS/tube pre combo I have had; the 1st being the Aragon 4004mkII and CJ PV8 driving Maggie MGb's. The CJ replaced a NAD pre-amp, the result was stunning.