Tube amps that kick ass?

I think pairing most any tube amp with the right speakers will more determine "kick ass" potential than anything inherent with any particular tube amp.

I notice a pattern with tube amps that people, even vendors, get carried away with demonstrating how little SET amp tube power is needed to drive high efficiency speakers just to make a point about low power tube amps and high efficiency speakers.

Its true a set amp can go a long way with high efficiency speakers, but I think they are only capable of being "kick ass" with the absolute highest efficiency and largest horns, 100db efficient or more. At least that is what I am hearing with various set tube amp demos to date.

The thing that tubes share with SS amps is that more tube power rather than less, though to a lesser extent,is needed to get most speakers to "kick ass" on the types of music that rely on power and dynamics to truly hit home. Pop rock and even metal, big band, large scale classical works, etc. are all good examples. Recordings of smaller mostly acoustic ensembles might get by with less, though if there is drums/percussion involved, not so much.

All I can say is I NEVER heard a Cary or Jolida amp that I would consider as "kick ass". And FORGET the V12 it doesn't do it, they just don't have the speed or reach the nether regions. These are midrange amps. I also agree that first off, don't buy more power than you need. The speaker load will determine that. The CAT's (JL2 used) kick ass and offer ultimate refinement and will probably work on almost anything and this thread is 4 years old so I sure hope the OP found what he is looking for by now!

Want good all around and good bass? Cary CAD 120's with Gold Lions. You must also have a good preamp too.

This OP started in 2009, and now 2013 :)
You gotta try the Carver 180 or 305 - kick ass tube amp.
I used to own Cary 120S, old AS MA1- now the Carver 180 with KT120 tubes. Very powerful tube amp and very sweet sounding

Just got my VAC 450 monos back from Florida after having an on-rush circuit as well as auto-bias circuitry installed in each amp, plus a few more tweaks that remain confidential to VAC.

After only a day, I now have startlingly realistic sound, unlike anything I have heard anywhere. Tight, commanding bass, extended sweet highs, great imaging, PRAT, etc., etc. Best bass I've ever heard from a tube amp anywhere, as well as the legendary VAC mid-range, with imaging and musicality to spare. Definitely get my vote in the tube "kick-ass" category.