Expensive Tube Amplifiers

@tutonunez @lewm 

I assume joey meant single-ended class A.

Tuonunez, I would agree that 88dB/4 ohms is not a good match for single-ended, unless it's an 845.  But that's a lot of heat, weight and expense.  $4K is a healthy budget for a quality push-pull tube amp.  40-60 watts would work fine.  Look at Black Ice, Rogue, Prima Luna or Quicksilver.  Personally I would not buy a Chinese amp, and not for political reasons.  You just don't get much support.  OTOH, if you're at the "end of the world" your choices may be limited to Asian distributors or maybe some EU companies, I couldn't say.

I've long been curious about low power (<50W) pure Class A solid state amplifiers, of which there are not many genuine examples. Classe' made one.  I think some of the First Watt amplifiers by Nelson Pass are also in that category. For driving speakers like those described by tutonunez.

@joeycastillo your comment backs up exactly what I was saying previously in this thread. 

Replacing speakers is certainly a consideration but when you have your heart set on great speakers and have heard their potential it is hard to go backwards in sonics.

Replacing components can be the start of a deep rabbit hole which can be stressful. Unfortunately prices of newer high fidelity audio equipment has rendered them unattainable for many audiophiles; which is why vintage hifi gear continues to be very popular. Vintage gear such as the afore mentioned Heath kit, Harman Kardon and others like Dynaco can sound really good and won't break the bank. Are they the best match for newer designed low impedance inefficient speakers? They can work but will probably not be able to achieve the speaker's potential. The only way to know is to hear different set ups in your room. I was fortunate to have access to four other power amplifiers (mostly vintage) and purchased three new ones before getting my rig dialed in.

I recently visited Deja Vu Audio and was able to listen to 3 amps in a similar price range, Audio Note Oro, Soro SE and Western Electric 124. I was amazed at how good the WE sounded. I brought a second pair of ears with me and we discussed we would not converse during the 1st listening session. Both of us without hesitation liked the WE better. I know it’s subjective and there are flaws with the WE, a little bit of hum when right on top of the amp, but the sound is worth the negative aspects. So, I’m the newest owner! 
I don’t think age matters but quality of the design and parts. 

I keep hearing great things about the WE 124 amp.  Atmasphere mentioned an all-differential amp as a way to greatly reduce distortion, and there you have one right there.  I's build one for myself but it's really not enough power for me.