Dave, if I read you right and you don't want to do tubes, i certainly understand. In my feable opinion. As close as you'll come on a reasonable budget in solids state would be an old Classe. DR5 or DR6. The Classe 5 or 6 can be had with remotes and they are an off shoot of the DR's but not as warm. The CP's are similar to the 5 or 6, but a tad more refined. Classe is probably your best bet.
I don't find the Audio Research solid state particularly warm, but in their solid state, I'd probably look at a LS-9. Good luck, Tim
I don't find the Audio Research solid state particularly warm, but in their solid state, I'd probably look at a LS-9. Good luck, Tim