I'm using the Super 3s with a nOrh SE-9 in a small bedroom system and the two match up well together. The nOrh certainly offers bang for the buck, but note that its preamp section is passive and has only two inputs, if that's a factor for you. I have no problem at all with CD, but with vinyl -- I use a very low output cartridge -- I occasionally have to crank the nOrh's volume pot to 2 or 3 o'clock. With CD, the pot is at 10 o'clock or so.
The nOrh benefits from some tube rolling, but there's nothing shabby about the stock tubes -- mostly Electro-Harmonix. You can live with the EH EL34s and upgrade the 12AX7s and the GZ34 rectifier for modest money when you have a little cash to spare.
And the Super 3s are superb. I had a buddy over to hear some stuff a week or so ago. He walked in, said "How much did you spend for those speakers?" and when I told him a little less than $500, he said, "Man, those were a steal." And he's heard some very sophisticated stuff.
Good luck in your search.
Mike