Ayre does not sound like tubes at all. Nor does Rowland, a popular recommendation. McIntosh is the only SS that sounds remotely like tubes to me due to the autoformers--but even the Mcs don't have the layered midrange that tubes provide.
Based on the particulars of your needs---get a tube integrated. There are many that are quite good and not expensive. Check out the Stingray for instance. It also depends on what speakers you are running, of course.
Based on the particulars of your needs---get a tube integrated. There are many that are quite good and not expensive. Check out the Stingray for instance. It also depends on what speakers you are running, of course.