"Since it appears that tube technology isn't competitive with modern solid state equipment either on the basis of price or performance, most haven't considered particular units of that type. "

Hahahahahhahahahahahaha! Once again, JohnK, he didn't ask which type of electronics you thought was better. Are you insecure about solid state or something?

Oldskoolboarder, I don't have much experience with set amps. If you could stretch your budget to $650-$700, a used Cayin TA30 would be absolutely brilliant. TNT has a review of your Sophia that I just read. Looks like you got a great deal!