what is the best se tube amp

I've heard many, and my favorite is the George Wright 3.5 monoblocks, which must be paired with his preamp. For about $2200 new (and maybe $1500 used), they are an astounding combination. I would suggest that if you go this route, plan on some tube rolling, though you don't have to kill the pocketbook to get an absolutely glorious sound. Like I said, I've heard many SET amps, including those costing more than ten times the price, and nothing sounds as lifelike and airy as this setup.
Good luck with your search. Should be fun.
P.S.--I have these paired with a set of 1977 Klipsch La Scala's, which have been rewired with all silver wire.

Pepler,
I apologize for the incomplete response, as Jax2 raised the most important concern: ensuring a synergy between the amps/pre & your speakers. In my relatively limited experience, even a change in interconnects/speaker cables can sharply alter your opinion about the pairing of the two.
One other recommendation: the Audion Sterling MK II. You can find this integrated (actually has a volume attenuator knob, is all) in an EL34-driven version (around $2100), or a 300B version (around $3800). I was very impressed with the airy and expansive sound of these amps. The MK II versions are a big improvement over the MK I. Certainly worth a listen, and sounded surprisingly good on the four different sets of speakers I heard them paired with.
Good luck. Once you go SET...