Tube Amp Recommendation for a solid state guy

If a used mfa d75 shows up I would grab it; 75 watts with 6550 tubes and plays like it has double that.

I have said it before but here goes.

If you want to see what tubes do , then do tubes !
By that I mean go all of the way and see what is there . If you go part way you will only see part of what tubes do .

Who knows you may find what you are looking for . If not you can always sell the tubed equipment , if bought properly , and then go the part way route .

I would look for an integrated tube amp that has the versatility of using many different types of tubes . You can experiment around and hear the different sounds that different types of tubes make , both input and output . Different amounts of tube effects or warmness can be achieved this way .

I like the Primaluna Prologue 2 . With stock tubes you will get a slightly warmed up SS sound with good top end extension and a slightly rolled off base . By changing the input tubes , you can warm up the mids and base , extend the base and not loose the very nice highs . If that is not enough , you can start experimenting with the output tubes for more or less of the tube warmth thing . There are at least 4 different types , and sounds , of output tubes that this amp can use . Varying combinations will give you varying amounts of the tube sound that you are looking for . Quite a versatile piece and fairly well built .

There are three used ones for sale here within your budget .

If you go this route you will not need to disturb your present setup . This integrated should work with either of your speakers , although the 92db. ones may be better . Oh and it is self/auto biasing making it quite easy to use and tube roll . The only real downside is no remote .

Just my 2 cents worth .

Good luck .

How about a Prima Luna? There well built and very powerfull for its size. Or even Rogue for that matter.

I can also recommend the PrimaLuna - I went with the Dialouge 2 myself. I would not recommend the Rogue, though, unless perhpas you listen to alot of hard rock or metal, they are very edgy sounding.

I'm a long time tube user, but also a huge Bryston fan. I think if I were going to start from your angle, I would get one of those Musical Fidelity tube stages and run it through the processor loop on the Bryston. I'm sort of surprised Bryston isn't making a tube card insert for the 4BST. So yes, there is a tube 'processor'. It also has the advantage of being reasonably priced. Or Pathos would be a good 'little integrated' choice. You might even be able to pick up a Cary SLI80 in that range.