I use an AI Modulus 2D with a B&K ST-202+ amp. The amp is the best of the $750 set from the early '90s (compare it to Adcom GFA555, low end Bryston, Sumo Andromeda etc). While it's not bright, per se, it is not glass smooth like Pass/Threshold solid state or any tube amp. I believe it is a nice combination that works pretty well together, especially for the cost.
As you said, the key is matching stuff that sounds good together. Connecting the "best" components is not a simple recipe for the best sound. Sports teams that consist exclusively of future hall-of-famers are rarely championship caliber. All-Star jam concerts are my least favorite types of performances and usually are a mish mash of screeching lead guitars. Sometimes a second-string component, like a good session-man, is a better match with an All-Star.