Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.

Johnfritter - good luck , it will be really hard to do at the budget.  $2-3k is the hotspot for number of good integrated entry level tube amps.  You might be better served to research various brands and save your money to step up to that price point.  Raven, Prima Luna, Don Sachs etc.  

Tubes amps are more expensive to buy and maintain than solid state amps. If you are on a strict budget tubes are not for you. 

Quicksilver integrated is a good entry point. Fantastic sound for under $2k and made in the USA.

I have one in my office with a Border Patrol DAC and Node 2i for streaming. Sounds great. 
Just my 2 cents worth. 
Good luck. 

Yup. You havta go to at least $2K to get any recommendations around here. At your present budget you are on your own.  Buy a Chinese clone and toss it out when it belches.

@willgolf Raven could be an end point I like everything I have seen on them. Believe me I do understand I have a low budget for an integrated or even amplifier for that matter. I could use the nova as a pre so I don't have to have an integrated. I just want to add some tube sound to what I have now in some manner. 

@russ69 That is what I am trying to decide. I have strange ways of doing things. I am giving myself a max of $1k which could be pushed to $1500. to find a hopefully decent component. That will give me a good "taste" if you will of tube sound. If I decide to go with tubes I am fine with the investment.

@chicagoblue1977 I will check into Quicksilver. Thank you.

This will not be my final system. Everything will be up graded and the current and trial equipment will go in the shop in the end. I don't own any vinyl and at this point/age it doesn't make sense to start. So I may just be wasting my time and money as maybe adding tubes may be of no benefit at all. 

Used pair of Quicksilver monoblocs here.
Use the pre out on your Peachtree.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaa875-quicksilver-mid-mono-tube

@fuzztone Exactly! I mean my intention isn't to just throw my money away but if I can make a minimal investment to get my toes wet, great. I don't mean I have throw away cash. I have been seeing a few Chinese amp options that look like a guy could unload at minimal loss if needed.   Yet might afford him a good taste of what tubes could add.
Also as I stated I would be open to the applications of tubes as DACs or tube buffers that fall within my budget as well. Just looking for options hopefully from experience. 
I have come to realize this is a high end often hi dollar site. I have found the best information here vs others. Yes I may be out of my league here but I feel the abuse I will get will be worth the info gained! I apologize if  anyone feels I am wasting time and space here.

Used pair of Quicksilver monoblocs here.
Use the pre out on your Peachtree.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaa875-quicksilver-mid-mono-tube

These amps are worth inquiring about, very highly regarded. 
Need to know the age and the power when using KT77's.
If a purchase is possible, you would be set for a long time.

OP, the only way to capture a real tube experience is to use a tube amp. You may not notice much change by swapping in a tube CDP. Although I own one and it sounds wonderful, I think you're looking for more.

@lowrider57 Thank you as I obviously missed these while surfing the classifieds. I messaged the member that has them listed waiting for response. Is there anything I should be aware of with these amps, questions I need to make sure and ask? Any certain vintage of these stand out over the others or "quirks" specific to this model?
Again Thank you.

"...Used pair of Quicksilver monoblocs here..."

Those are excellent amps, I have a pair myself. 

You can get in the game at the $1500. Bob Latino ST-70 is a great little amp. I bought one just t dabble in tubes and it replaced a much higher priced and wattage SS amp. The problem MAY be that it is 35wpc & your speakers 90db sensitivity. Sounded great on my Silverline’s. But they are 93.5 db. So I’m unsure. Bob can tell you though. He is very good service & the amp is a tube rollers dream. If you can stretch to the ST120 though it will give you more head room at 60wpc. Both great amps. If you can solder and follow instruction they also come in kits which is in & below your budget. BTW, no affiliation. Just a fan. My review is at AA 

tubes4hifi amplifier KITs page

Then too check with Underwoodf Hifi. I’ve seen them have great sales on the Black Ice amps w/ 45-50-55 wpc that fall into your budget. I’ve never heard them but they get good reviews

@noromance  Thank you for the link, not sure how I looked over them. I have sent message waiting for reply.

 Find a used Rogue Sphinx,should be right around 1k.  Tube pre,SS power amp, nice intro to tubes and sensible.

@johnfritter  If you get a tube amp use the 4 ohm taps for you connection to the speakers. Your speakers are not particularly tube-friendly due to the low impedances in the bass region (3.1 ohms). If you like what you hear, consider a speaker that is higher impedance and otherwise easier to drive- that is where tubes can really show off what they do.

Look up the AMC 3030 integrated amp.  Should be within your budget.

You want to see if you like valves? Get a tube buffer and get a good one.. pretty simple.

Decware makes a great one and there are a FEW others that work really well.

An option for A/B and easy to turn it on or off.. Just depends on your mood and the playback source ay?

Second option is go forward with a tube preamp to SS power amps FIRST..

You don't get the full effects of tube harmonics but it is a GOOD taste of it.. Then tubes for the monitor section of you system and SS for the bass.. It's always better. 50 years of messing around.. Tubes for mids and highs and SS for the bass.. ALL of it.. 300hz and above Valves.. below SS.

Regards

The most important thing when trying to do high sound quality on a budget is to understand it is always all about compromise, and then figure out which compromises you are most able to afford and live with. 

For example, the path you are on looking for Quicksilver monoblocks the compromise is it is not a budget path. Separates have all the same needs as any other component- interconnect, power cord, springs, etc - but for all that you get only a power amp. Very good choice if your system budget is into six figures. Very poor choice if it is in the low four figures. 

The other tradeoff people make is quality. Low end budget gear falls in this category. You get tubes yes, but they don't sound very good because with tubes quality is what it's all about. Not just quality of tubes either but quality of transformers, caps, and other components even more so. Sometimes the quality compromise is they are not very good parts, other times it is just they are not very well made. 

There is a third tradeoff, and that is for you to put a whole lot more effort into understanding what is going on, prioritizing your personal needs, and then making a hard cold choice as to what really matters to you. 

If you can for example compromise on speaker choice, instead of buying whatever speakers you like and then trying to find an amp that will run them, you might choose only very high sensitivity speakers. Because they don't cost more, but they save you money by not needing a lot of watts. Then you find there are very low power tube amps that sound absolutely divine, do not cost an arm and a leg (because, low power) and really the only compromise is not high volume or great earth shaking bass.  

It is always a compromise any way you go, and yes any amount of money too. You already put yourself in a box with those Monitor Audio speakers, at only 90dB they are too low for many amps that would be an absolute dream had you only known to buy something like Tekton Lore Reference. At half the price, but 6dB greater sensitivity they cut your amplifier wattage needs by 75%. Yes you need only 1/4 as many watts to drive them to the same volume as your Monitor Audio. Sound better, too. 

If you are in love with those speakers, great. Just know they are forcing you to consider only high power amps, and those cost money. Low power amps you can get the insane good sound you seek, just not from those speakers. https://tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/mid-towers/lore-reference/#color

With those you can run this, and it will play Lore as loud as your current speakers will with 50 watts. https://www.decware.com/newsite/SE34I.htm

See what I mean about compromise?

"Space-Tech Laboratory - High-End Audio" http://www.thebestamp.com/Tube_Buffers/BUF-102.php

Check out this guy's stuff, he has tube dacs also in your price range and tube preamps.

@oldhvymec A tube buffer is what I originally wanted to try. I just haven't had much luck finding options. Black ice foz ss-x was all I could find which sounded like a good option but I don't really need the bass control, not a deal breaker though. Maybe I need to try different terminology. If I search "tube buffer" all I get are cheap e-bay or Amazon pc boards with a knob and tube. Not overly confident in what I've seen. I will look into the Decware option and see if that leads me to more options. Thank you!

@millercarbon  You could not be more correct I do understand. But having acquired the components I have at the price I paid $.25 on the $1.00 (divorce sale). I didn't worry too much about everything being the perfect match or specs. In the end I was able to help a friend out and I ended up with fairly decent sound as a result. This is also why my budget is what it is. I really didn't want to spend more than I currently have invested just to satisfy my curiosity. Certainly a compromise or a few, but I was ok with that in this situation.

@invalid Now were talking! Thank you for the link! I will check into these this is the direction I really wanted to go. Or think I want to go!
Thanks again!

A tube buffer is a good suggestion, but it's a compromise. Once you realise you like what tubes add to your system, you're out $1125. Skip the buffer and go for the amp.

As @atmasphere commented, you need to look at specs. The amp you choose must have enough power to drive your speakers, specifically the low impedance in the bass region. Since Ralph has done the research for us, 3.1 ohms is low enough to be concerned about the amp's output power.

@lowrider57 As miller carbon stated its all compromise! I just need to decide on what compromise I want to take. Right now my simple mind tells me with what have and am hearing here. I can buy different speakers and a tube amp. Or I can buy a much more expensive and powerful amp. Or I could add a good quality tube buffer to what I have which has no trouble driving the speakers. 
I know there's a lot more I have no clue about but is there a negative to adding a tube buffer? Would I be affecting the performance of my amp by adding a buffer in anyway? I would not think so but I don't know what I don't know. I like to learn I just usually do it the hard way, it's my way!

Tube sound is a myth save your money for better speakers.

https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/if-tube-sound-is-a-myth-why-tubes.8656/

Now were talking! Thank you for the link! I will check into these this is the direction I really wanted to go. Or think I want to go!
Thanks again!

I have one of his affordable model preamps with the separate power supply, it made my krell amp sound way better than the solid state preamp I was using.

What you are going through is exactly what I went through. Only for me it was around 1973. I had paper route money, and a bicycle to take me to Radio Shack, where I devoured all I could read and picked the brains of everyone there who knew anything. 

Anyone who does this a couple things become clear: if you buy inefficient speakers there is not enough power in the world to make them sound good, but you can spend a fortune trying. If you buy separates you can spend a fortune trying to make them sound better than a good integrated amp, but in this case you might at least get there eventually, if you have enough money. And you can try and stuff everything into one box, but while it may seem to save money one thing interferes with another and so it just never works.

Therefore, high sensitivity speakers (which is kind of arbitrary but never anything less than 92dB) and an integrated amp is the way to go. Until and unless you have piles and piles of money and a burning desire to spend it all this is the way to go.

If you get something like that Decware integrated you will absolutely have freaking mesmerizing captivating amazing sound. You will also not be able to play real loud, at least not with your current speakers. You will also not have real powerful bass, again not with your current setup.

But you will have an absolutely awesome sound from what you do have. That is the tradeoff. The fact of the matter no one will tell you is really high quality is not expensive. What is expensive is extending that really high quality into high volume range, especially when it comes to bass.  

But for bass the solution is a DBA. So if you are smart you wait and make do with everything except bass and high volume. Then when you can afford quality speakers you match that Decware with some Tekton, man now you got something. Then when you have another $3k you add a DBA. Now you pretty much have it all. But in stages, and so it took some time. But you had superb quality from the beginning, just not in the deep bass high volume ranges.

That's the compromise. Maybe on the other hand you want high volume now, and that is more important than quality. Or whatever. It is after all your system. Prioritize and plan accordingly.

IMO, adding a tube preamp would be advantageous to using a tube buffer. This way you’d have an active component which contributes to the function and sonic signature of your system with no additional noise.

Tube sound is a myth save your money for better speakers.

I used to think that way, until I tried a tube preamp with my solid state amp, less ear piercing and more enjoyable, never a headache at loud volumes.

ASR is a myth.

To wet your beak just buy this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/262421157769?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc...Nobsound makes nice stuff I have one of their amps in the office.
If you like it save up for Quicksilver or Raven next,

"Tube sound" is not factual.  The ONLY sound to look for is a clean, undistorted, neutral "flat" sound.  Decent tube equipment SHOUND sound that way.  Good solid state equipment SHOULD sound that way.   Equipment should sound that way at any volume within the operating limits of the device.

Any deviation is distortion.

Any deviation is distortion.

All audio equipment is flawed, none of it is capable of perfection, that's why we have so many opinions on what sound best.

@

.A tube buffer is a good suggestion, but it's a compromise

That was my 1st thought too. But it is his $$$ to do as he please.

Here ya go!
https://medium.com/collectors-weekly/could-an-old-school-tube-amp-make-the-music-you-love-sound-bett...

Simple answer - go to eBay and purchase a Counterpoint SA-100 hybrid tube power amp probably $500,  In stock form they sound very sweet but they are great once upgraded.  Send it to me for upgrading to Nichicon power supply capacitors, Audio Note/Amtrans resistors, AC filter choke and V-capacitors.  Then you won't be looking for another amplifier for a long time.

Happy Listening.

There’s always the used or DIY market. For me the Willsenton R8 has been great. 

@artemus_5  I actually really like the idea of the st120 kit. I enjoy stuff like that. I used to rebuild carburetors years ago as a side gig. I might actually buy one just to build for fun. I have it in the cart, just got home from work and the scotch is tasting good....!

@millercarbon Im guessing you have about a decade on me. I worked on the farm though. Started at 10 saved all my money but I was into hunting. So I bought my first Remington 870 Wingmaster 12ga. I was in 4th grade. In my head I THINK I would like to end up with a Raven Osprey and a pair of ZU Omens. But for now I would like to play with what I have acquired for pennies on the dollar. I know its far from perfect but it actually sounds pretty damn good. I also know it could probably be worlds better. So why not play a little? As long as I pay attention I think I can recovery pretty easily in the end as I said I am in this literally 20-25 cents on the dollar. I got everything for less than the price of one speaker new. I would love to hear your system honestly. Yours and @oldhvymec's are two that I would like to experience.  

I appreciate everyones input. Thank you.

Easy advice. Try it. If you like it, keep going. If you don’t, you’ll know. I’ve tried both solid state and tubes and tube hybrids. I enjoyed the tube amps far more. I’m not gonna argue science or measurements. I like it. That’s it. That’s all there has to be. Try it and see if it’s for you or not. 

@scchengmus That was an option I was considering also. everything I read and watch is very positive. It seems as thought a lot of the internals are the same brands and models of reputable high end brands. What is your experience with it.

OP, 
I built a system over the past year. I have Quicksilver and love it. It is extremely well made and beautiful sounding. I'm a huge fan.

But given the constraints you mentioned, I would push my own prejudice aside and affirm a couple other points made which I think take precedence.

First, the speakers are extraordinarily important, and if you were able to start building your system toward tubes, you should probably look for a bit more power than those used Quicksilver monos. But maybe not. I have 87db speakers with 60wpc monos and it's plenty of power.

Still, let's say you're ok with sticking with your speakers. What would make the most difference for $1-1.5k? I have to think it would be a good tube preamp or a tube DAC. Quicksilver and other tube preamps are possibilities; or Orchid MHDT Dac; or others. The point is that you want the tubes early in the signal path, first. Later, you can get tube amps. But before then, DAC or preamp. Gotta make sure the preamp and Peachtree will play nice together.

@rickallen81 that's my plan I am just trying to figure out the best way to get the best taste. So far I have gotten some good ideas of things to look into. I have never owned any type of tube component so its all new. I don't know anyone who dose so this is why I am where I am at this point.

@hilde45 I was considering the Orchid or possibly the Black Ice Glass FX. The used Quicksilvers are local pick up only so a no go. I just wasn't sure how much of the tube effect would come thru with just a tube or two. Nice thing there is I can get those with a trial period as well as most new stuff. Used doesn't have that option!

What would make the most difference for $1-1.5k? I have to think it would be a good tube preamp or a tube DAC. Quicksilver and other tube preamps are possibilities; or Orchid MHDT Dac; or others. The point is that you want the tubes early in the signal path, first. Later, you can get tube amps. But before then, DAC or preamp. Gotta make sure the preamp and Peachtree will play nice together.

For $1K to $1500 you can find a good used preamp. As stated, check the specs so the pre will mate with the Peachtree. Shouldn't be very difficult.

noromance5,770 posts05-24-2021 9:28pmUsed pair of Quicksilver monoblocs here.
Use the pre out on your Peachtree.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaa875-quicksilver-mid-mono-tube

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

THIS is a good deal.  Pay attention OP.. Very good start and to tell the truth end with.. Flexible well made amps.. A lot of wiggle room for sound change..

Regards

get in contact with silk audio, they are in the US.
Silk Audio | eBay Stores
Also check out Musical Paradise out of Canada.
MP-402 MK2 FU25 1625 Tube Amplifier (musicalparadise.ca)

@oldhvymec He doesn't want to ship the Quicksilvers I contacted him.

When I decided to go the tube route I bought a Jolida Fusion 6802 from Underwood Hi-Fi when Walter was blowing then out at a $1000 under MSRP. I didn’t want to get in too deep and figured I couldn’t go wrong. I absolutely love it. It’s powering 87db bookshelf speakers nicely. My next tube piece will be a phono amp. I’ll then start chasing speakers. With all that said a Raven will be next integrated amp.

Mechanic, see comments above:  40W monoblocks
These are beautiful amps, need to find the age and provenance.

atmasphere9,468 posts
05-25-2021 1:24pm@johnfritter If you get a tube amp use the 4 ohm taps for you connection to the speakers. Your speakers are not particularly tube-friendly due to the low impedances in the bass region (3.1 ohms). If you like what you hear, consider a speaker that is higher impedance and otherwise easier to drive- that is where tubes can really show off what they do.

The preamp is an option I had not considered but I can run the Peachtree in power amp mode as well as preamp. Maybe I would be better served looking into tube preamps. This just seems to make more sense the more I think about it. 

Good Lord I think I might be turning into my wife!