classic sounding 25 watt tube amp

The Music Reference RM10 is the best 25-35 watt tube amp I have heard. Is it the best? Who knows. A very fine amp that also has the benefit of being extremely reliable and VERY easy on tubes (8-10,000 hours). This amp is in the neutral camp, so if you are looking for lush; this would do it for you. It also works very well with passive preamps, so it could make for a fairly low priced system with first rate sound.

I haven't personally heard this combination, but the Audio Note P2 SE (18 wpc) is reputed to be an excellent match with the Quad ESL-57 speakers.

I can vouch that the P2 SE is very reliable amplifier as I have owned one since 1995 with never a problem.

I agree with everything Mrtennis said in his last post.

Steve Leung is a great guy, and his opinion on the Cayin amplifiers is dead on. In almost all cases, modern amplifiers do not offer the type of coloration he is seeking out here, though Pehare's suggestion of the Cary Rocket 88 comes pretty close.

Again, I'd stick with a brand new, bone stock Dynaco ST70. Forego any of the driver board updates, as they will definitely take things in a direction you don't want to go, as will removing the negative feedback loop or going with anything other than 15.6 Ohm resitors on each output tube as the amplifier was originally designed. It sounds like you will be most happy with this amplifier.

it looks like the conrad johnson mv 45, although it is more powewrful than i originally intended, is my first choice, followed by the vtl tiny triodes.

Conrad Johnson MV45 is a very good idea. I think it will suit your needs well.