Enjoyed reading about your system, having JR4's myself and yet finding them amazing it is nice to read about other options on what feeds them. Have you found the sub "fast" enough not too sound slow or muddy compared to the base in the mains? VSA seems to make much of having a sub that is very quick and geared for music over movies. My speakers are driven via a 55 watt tube integrated and I can see your not wanting to go back to SS. Great system enjoy.
Glen