Although I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, as it was titled incorrectly.

From what I've read in your post, you are looking for higher quality backround music while you work, and are driving your system with your Apple computer. For this you really don't need, or would want an expensive quirky tube amp.

To follow his advice is going to cost you thousands, and with the sources you have discribed will net you very little in better audio. I'm not saying that tubes might not be your thing, but for backround music playing when you work it's a real waste of $$$.