Sorry, I should clarify - I'd like to focus on currently-active brands/models. I'm interested specifically in things I could potentially review on my blog (http://taww.co). So stuff that is commercially available and supported.
(That said, used/rebuilt stuff is great and as a side project I'm always fascinated by modification potential. My Bryston B60 and Ayre AX-7e have been tuned up quite a bit with simple mods. I don't intend to recommend these mods broadly, it is simply my own pursuit of a truer reference sound.)
@blindjim agreed that tube pre + SS amp can be the perfect combo, and I'm not opposed to the idea. I actually own a pretty decent tube linestage for that purpose. But I'm looking specifically for amps that don't require the tube front-end to flesh out their sound. Doesn't mean they can't sound even better with a tube pre though - in fact I think the best tube pre's with the best SS amps can be the best of both worlds.
(That said, used/rebuilt stuff is great and as a side project I'm always fascinated by modification potential. My Bryston B60 and Ayre AX-7e have been tuned up quite a bit with simple mods. I don't intend to recommend these mods broadly, it is simply my own pursuit of a truer reference sound.)
@blindjim agreed that tube pre + SS amp can be the perfect combo, and I'm not opposed to the idea. I actually own a pretty decent tube linestage for that purpose. But I'm looking specifically for amps that don't require the tube front-end to flesh out their sound. Doesn't mean they can't sound even better with a tube pre though - in fact I think the best tube pre's with the best SS amps can be the best of both worlds.