Advice on selecting a tube amp

Hi Nicknac,
You specifically requested tube amplifiers, so here are a few well regarded
and reasonably priced.
1. Quicksilver Audio.
2. Line Magnetic Audio.
3. Coincident Audio, they have a new el34 SET amplifier called the Dynamo
and is said to sound very good.
4. Jolida Audio.
These can at least get you quest started. I think you'll love a good tube
amplifier given your musical preferences. All of these mentioned brands
have very satisfied customers.
Charles,

Nicknac,
Regarding the SET amplifiers it depends.
Speaker load 'ease' drivability, room size and typical listening levels. I'd guess 6-10 watts as a minimum to manage 90 db sensitivity and an 8 ohm load would be a good starting point. At your stated price range there are more choices with integrated push pull tube amplifiers. The Coincident Dynamo is an 8 watt el34 SET for $1300.00 . And is
said to use very good transformers. What volume levels do you usually listen to?
Charles,

Hi Nicknac,
I don't mind the questions at all, that's how we learn and develop some sense of organization. Hard wired= point to point, the 999.00 ptice was the introductory price (may or may not still be in effect).
With Dennis Had (Cary) or Israel Blume (Coincident) you'll be in very good hands. I'm more familiar with Coincident and can say that their products are simply top quality in built, sound and customer support. I have no reason to doubt the Dennis Had amplifiers, word of mouth is very good.

You actually have quite a few choices in your range when you factor in the Chinese products. Some of these are better than others, Line Magnetic (Chinese) is said to be one of the premium level amongst them.
Given uour type of music and the listening levels I believe that a SET amplifier is a very viable option to consider. I wish I knew more about your speakers as that's really a major factor in determining a successful match. SET amps are very simple circuits and easy to maintain (fewer tubes to worry about). The key is having good quality transformers and well designed power supply. This is where I'm most confident with Coincident's track record (high quality transformers and part selection).

Take the time to learn about the different brands mentioned and get a basic understanding of SET vs push pull tube amplifiers. I'm partial to SET amps but either type is capable of providing excellent music reproduction.
Charles,

Mike Sanders of Quicksilver makes good quality and very reliable components. I used his full function preamp for 15 years! I'm pretty familiar with his power amps as well. I've had Coincident components for over 4 years and they are at a higher level of sound quality and better parts (no knock against Quicksilver). Honestly you'd be happy with either one.
Charles,

Nicknac,
You and your wife I'm certain are going to have a fabulous time with that lifestyle, what a fine way to enjoy life! Of course you two need good sound to complete this beautiful picture.
Have loads of fun,
Charles,