Saturn, those are some interesting systems you listened to. The Martin Logans and the Dynaudios especially require big power to drive them. I can't think of any speakers less suitable to most tube amps than the MLs or the very inefficient 4 ohm, difficult to drive, Dynaudios. Both set ups require big power solid state amplification.
I've only listened to 2 Cary's and was surprised not to like them. I noticed a pretty high background sound level with these amps.
Someday, you may want to try some low power SET tube amps with efficient speakers - you may like this combination better - I know I do.
KM, my first source was a 10 year old JVC 5 disc changer which sounded great. I upgraded to a Cambridge D500SE, sounded like crap. Ended up with an Ah! Njoe Tjoeb tube output modified Marantz CDP and found the perfect match for SET tube magic.
