Manley Stingray Integrated amp.

Was just asking the question rhetorically, given how many customer service complaints anecdotally have been raised through this colloquy.

I owned it, and it was fantastic, especially with NOS EL84's, which of course were not cheap. Wonderful amp. Sold it because the the "search for better" monkey was riding my back.

The Stingray is a very nice amplifier indeed.

In addition to having one of the champs of tone, the EL84, it is well built and should prove reliable. You're also dealing with one of the better companies in the business, normally represented by some of the better dealers in the business - and, no, that's not a coincidence. So, you'll be well supported. Don't discount the fact that the amp is made in the USA as one of the big reasons behind this.

I'm also partial to the aesthetic, but understand that's a matter of personal taste. My one caution is that the amp is definitely not the last word in power, so keep that in mind.

Regarding how newer amps compare to older ones, I'm also increasingly discovering as time passes how special those vintage tube amps truly are.

I think that Clio9s recommendation of the VAC Avatar SE (EL34) is a good one. If you are looking for warm I'm not sure the RM10 would be recommedation; but I'm not sure that warm is what you are looking for (you may be). What tubes give me is bloom and a sense of space and instrument localization that I can't quite get with SS - and I think it is that quality that turns people into tube fans. I'm a bot confused by the mixed comments here on the Stingray, but I don't doubt that people heard what they heard, or experienced what they experienced, but I agree with Trelja's position on the Stingray. But if you can make the move to the VAC Avatar, I think that would be making the move, your current gear is pretty darn good as is. Just to throw another monkey wrench into this, Roger Modjeski only uses passive preamps with his amps and you could get the RM10 with one of his passives (under $200), but the preamp of yours should work awfully well with just about anything. If you truly want warmth, I would look for an older CJ amp with EL34 tubes, they are quintessentially "warm". Just noticed there is a nice looking SE up for sale today - $2,350 is the asking price.

Along the lines of what Pubul57 laid out, I think you can't go wrong with an amplifier from Roger Modjeski, Manley, or VAC. Which particular model best suits you will be a matter of personal taste, and I encourage you to do a bit of auditioning, if possible.

See my previous comments on the Stingray - when you align yourself with companies such as these three, it's difficult to imagine coming out on the wrong side of the coin.