Tubes are kind of a pain to track down and buy. They generate a good bit of heat. You really have to be ready to commit. The 611s is not harsh at all. I have not heard the 2301s.
I heard the 611s with a tube 2700 preamp on a pair of 802D4s. To me the 802D4 is a bit of a harsh aggressive speaker but it seemed fine on that combo. Very detailed while a bit thin in the upper mids (speaker issue IMO).
I think McIntosh tube amps/pre are a little less “tuby” than some brands.