[Double Ugly]

Well, it depends on how much you want to spend.

These seem reasonable for the price:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1210896513

I haven't heard these either, but VTL has an excellent rep, Pat.

For the asking price, well-worth considering IMHO.

I really think the laws of diminishing return apply here (IMHO).

Since you aren't completely sure what you want yet, buy amps which seem to fit the bill.  If they work, great; you can move up the chain later if you want.  Otherwise, you can put 'em back on the market and lose little to nothing in the process.

It's tough finding just the right combo when you live in such a remote location, Pat.  Take it slowly, and mind your fiscal Ps and Qs. 

[doug s.]

yust get yourself the best tube preamp you can find.  then you won't be restricted on finding a great amp or monoblocks at a good price, that will leave money left over for the ic's.  preamp/amp combo allows for more system flexibility, too, imo...

doug s.

  push-pull 110 wpc or close should drive a set of SP Tech Revs.i kinda was thinkin' out loud that a good integrated would save on cable costs and not far off the sound of separates....keep an eye out for a used VAC....