Help with first tube amp


I’m looking for some guidance on purchasing my first tube amp.

My current setup: Speakers: Sonus Faber Sonetto 1 G2 bookshelf speakers.  (I plan to add a subwoofer soon)

Amp/Source: Cambridge Audio EVO 150 (all-in-one integrated with built-in streamer & DAC)

The EVO 150 made sense originally because I didn’t have room for multiple components, but after some renovations I now have space and flexibility to build out a proper system.

Since this would be my first tube amp, I was hoping to keep costs reasonable and have been considering: •Muzishare X7 (KT88) •Cayin A-88T (KT88) •A used Muzishare R100 (300B) available locally •A used Brunoco Terra 6L6 PP available locally

My questions:

1.    ⁠Will I actually hear a meaningful difference between my EVO 150 and these lower-cost tube amps?
2.    ⁠Are my Sonus Faber Sonetto 1 G2s at 87 db sensitivity a good match for these lower-power tube amps ?
3.    ⁠Anything I should keep in mind as a first-time tube amp buyer who listens mostly to vinyl and streaming?
4.    ⁠What If I used the EVO 150 as a pre amp with the tube amp as power source only?  Would that still give me that tube sound ?

Thanks in advance — really appreciate any advice from folks with experience!

licarijo

Of those listed, I'd take a serious look at the Brunoco.  The others, meh.

What's your budget?  

@paradisecom. I was planning to spend btw $1500-$2500. Of the amps I listed - all were in that price range. 

@elliottbnewcombjr   I live in the New York City area. Brooklyn to be exact. I only know of one place in nyc area that has tube amps (Innovative Audio ) but they are pushing very expensive equipment. If there are other places in nyc area that I could demo tube amps in my price range please let me know. 

Your speakers are rated at 4 0hms nominal impedance, which means they probably dip below that and would be a bit of a hard load for the amps you mentioned and most budget tube integrateds.  You might consider a hybrid like this Unison Unico Due that has a tube input stage with solid state MOSFET output stage that’d give you some tube magic with solid state power to sufficiently power your speakers.  This seller offers 30-day returns if it doesn’t work out, which is nice. 

https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/unison-research-unico-due-stereo-hybrid-integrated-amplifier-mm-mc-phono/

Sonus Faber Sonetto 1 specs:

  1. Sensitivity 86 dB SPL (2.83 V/1m)
  2. Nominal impedance = 4 Ohm
  3. Recommended power amplifier 30 W - 150 W

Seems these speakers are not high efficiency but average efficiency needing current, so low watt amps not advised