Decided to take the plunge as I have been tube curious for a while... Bought the Reisong A10 EL34 tube amp direct from the seller. I went with the direct wired version. I have it paired to my Ascend 170SE's and using my computer as the source.

My room is 10x10 with acoustic panels on the side walls only and commercial carpet glued to the concrete floor. No other room treatments.

I have my ascend speakers placed on a ledge almost against the wall which is not the best config, but due to my room layout it's the only way I can make them work as its also my office and I use the speakers for other uses during the day for work.

Ok... I have tried Denon receivers, yamaha, sony etc. They all sounded ok especially if your a critical listener, however I felt they lacked depth realism etc. I then moved up to a Crown XLS1502 amp. It livened the dynamics up in the speaker but just not what I was looking for...

I now have the speakers paired to the tube amp and WOW!!! I don't know if I will ever be able to go back to solid state ever again for music! Piano and strings sound real, they create that bass that you should "feel" when playing an instrument. I don't know how to explain it... Before my speakers were like a bagel and my amp was the cream cheese. Before my speakers sounded thin and accurate but were missing that musical touch. Now with the tube amp its like you put on that cream cheese super thick and made it richer and better all around.

I can now 100% say these speakers are SUPER capable, you just need to pair them up to a decent amp! I can't imagine the sierras with this amp. I am curious what some of you are using for front end components. I used to think different amps made ZERO difference to the audio tone and overall performance. I can say I am now a believer! Front end equipment MATTERS!