I’m not sure about the Cary, but even though they use tubes, Prima Luna is maybe the most solid state sounding line I have ever heard. What I have heard was using the tubes that came with the units, so tube rolling might help, but if you’re looking for that tube sound, I’d start looking at pretty much any other brand that’s in your price range. I used to have Audio Research and it was grand, in fact I still have a SP-9 MK2 in my downstairs system and while it is a hybrid, but it still makes me smile.
PrimaLuna EVO 400 v Cary SLI-100
I've never owned anything other than solid state but I am increasingly intrigued with tubes. Thinking of "investing" $5K or so in an all-tube integrated to (at least initially) drive my Klipsch Heresys. Any thoughts on these two choices? Is there another choice in this range?