Thanks for the many suggestions.
Several amps I never thought of, I will investigate those.
Just to respond to the suggestion on the ESL amp, I once had the old Innersound ESL amp, and I felt it was rather bright and had more of the SS edge for my taste. This was years back and I understand the Magtech is generations advance, but not sure how much the sound has changed.
I did try my VTL with my old innersound EROS once before and I blew a new tube after short play. I think there was a bit of reaction between the amp and speaker, so haven't try that again since. May be a fluke but didn't want to take any chances.
The thought of sticking with analogue cross over is tempting, but Roger really pitched the many features that came with the digital cross over. The main selling point was the lower crossover point of 177hz which allow the ESL panel to operate in its intended range and I can now use my pair of 1000 watt subwoofer amps to drive the bass :-)
Roger did offer me a trial period to take the analogue crossover if I change my mind. That is the great thing about Roger, customer satisfaction is a real thing to him!
I don't know if I'm being unrealistic, but I was wondering if there are any hybrid amps - tube input/SS output that could handle such a load. I'm also not sure if the digital crossover would negate the value of a partial Tube amp anyway. Just would like to retain the musicality of tube if possible. Don't know if I shouldn't stretch but just stick with a good solid performing SS amp instead.
Gerald