Tube amps that kick ass?

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.

I heard a system once with DCS source, VTL pre-amp, and hefty VAC amps driving Magico mini speakers in a smaller dealer demo room. THis combo was uniquely striking and reference quality in particular in its ability to deliver orchestral strings from standard CD in an exceptionally realistic sounding manner. So it "kicked ass" in that particular way, and was no slouch otherwise as well. The VAC monoblock amps were particularly striking aesthetically as well. Dealer mentioned some kind of automatic tube bias system in the VAC gear. DOn't know the details of how that worked, but it was working quite well that particular day.

Fplanner2000 - VAC rules the roost for me. I've never heard anything better - including ARC, Mc, VTL and numerous others. I'm saving for a pair of VAC phi200's.

Add me to the recommendations for VAC amps. I have a Phi 200 and have barely had it break a sweat in my small room driving Nola Micro References, which are not a particularly easy load. It has all the power and bass control you could ask for, while still being one of the most realistic and musically involving amplifiers I've ever heard (ranking up there with Jadis and Lamm in that respect). The monos would be even better, if your room is large.