I started with an NAD integrated, then went all the way to a 200 wpc stereo amp, and you know what I am using now with my B&W matix 804's? Two 8 watt(!!!) per channel monoblocks by Audio Note. Not for a bass freak, but in my new apt I have to do nearfield listening and these amps have microdynamics that are scary real. As far as tube amps, it really depends on your priorities. The CJ MV55 and MV60 are classics, but they are really soggy in the bass in my experience. Audio Research makes tube gear with tight bass, but less midrange magic. I'll tell you what: you should try a Jolida integrated amp. 50 watts per channel, and you'll never go back to SS again, and new it goes for just under a grand. For digital sound, I'm not a fan of Audio Note affordable DAC's (but their afforadable amps and preamps are soooooo nice). I would highly suggest you try out the Benchmark Media DAC1. You can order from them direct and try it for 30 days no risk. It's $800 dollar sound in my room beats everything except DAC's in the $3000 category. Wide, deep, open, airy, silky, nonfatiguing sound. combind that with the jolida amp, and you've got some serious high end sound. Another choice for an integrated is a brand called Synthesis from Italy. They have a 25 wpc integrated tube amp for a grand and a 40 wpc integrated tube amp for 2k. These amps have less of a liquid midrange, but a more accurate one, and the bass is deep and tight, with a tonal balance that would integrate nicely with the vandersteen sound. They are more expensive per watt than the Jolida, but boy do they look cool (red wood base and black tube cage...like a little caboose), and they sound ALOT like the ARC VS55 and VS110's. I've seen Jolida and
Synthesis selling used, which might be easier than finding a dealer. Lots to think about I know, but that's the hobby!!! Just my two cents from a little experience. Just so you know, a tube amp sounds a LOT more powerful than a SS amp. So if you are working with 25 wpc now with the NAD, using an 8 or 10 watt amp is not ridiculous. Like the audiophile above go for good watts rather than lots of cheap watts. As far as speakers, the small proacs are nice, but I prefer the Spendor 3.5 or 3.1. I also prefer B&W (matix 805, nautilus 805, or 705). If you can find a used pair of any of these, or new, you will love the more open less congested sound to the vandersteens in my honest opinion.
