What tube amp for starting out?

If I had any component that was "dead in the midrange" it would not be in my system very long. Boy, if you don't have the midrange right, then it will be very easy to find an amp that does better. I heard a friend's modified Dynaco many, many years ago and was very impressed with it, but couldn't comment beyond that. Have you tried rolling the tubes with various different brands? Could you have some bad tubes in there that are holding it back?

As far as a replacement, as Tvad points out, you might want to post the speakers you are using in order to get more informed input on the subject. Are you intending on keeping the other Dynaco components? The price of the "most realism possible" can be very high indeed. Also, what you find to be "realistic" may be different from what another person finds that way. You should probably also consider stating a budget, or you will get suggestions from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Marco

I would address those speakers, and leave the other components for now. Replace the speakers with a pair of used Klipsch Forte II's or Chorus II's and I'll bet you'll be cooking with gas for the kind of music you like. Those speakers do very well with tubes. Before taking that step I'd really make sure that there wasn't something wrong with the gear you already have. I've not heard anything with the "new" Mullard EL-34, but the NOS ones certainly are of the very best out there. Does your amp require manual biasing, and if so, have you checked the bias? Have you checked all the tubes with a tube tester to see if they're good? Are any more than a couple of years old? I have no idea who did your upgrade, but the Dynaco's are certainly decent amps that wouldn't fall that short in the midrange as you describe. What about the preamp tubes - have you checked those and could any be getting long in the tooth? Also, what is your source component...you mentioned a Dynaco Tuner, do you also listen to CD and or LP? Do all sources sound flat in the midrange? The success of a system is a matter of synergy between all the components as well as their links, including the room they're making music in. The weakest will cause the rest to suffer. It could be your room too, but first check on the components and making sure everything is as it should be.

Marco

Good research Grant. Yes, with a significant dip in the lower midrange you might need a bit more muscle than your Dynaco can muster. I would sooner try more compatible speakers rather than sell off the Dynaco gear. But I don't know what of your system you may be more attached to (nor why). On the other hand, for most of the music you like to listen to, I would have suggested you consider SS or Hybrid amplifier, rather than tubes. It may not have the same warmth and dimension that tubes have, but it will have dynamics, speed and impact that your Dynaco won't ever be able to deliver. This is what I was hinting at when I said your idea of "realism" may be different from other's. Depending on what you regard most highly in the way a system presents the music, you may want to pursue a different direction. In my experience, no single approach does it all. There are always some compromises, especially so at this level of components and investment, and even at higher levels. That's not to say you shouldn't be able to have a great sounding system with some of the gear you already have. Weigh your priorities, find the weak links, and proceed.

Hey Grant, you and I should approach NPR and start a new radio program Stereo-Talk. Do you have strong regional accent? I can put on my Brooklyn accent - I lost it at age 15, when we moved out of there, but I can put it on when I need to.

Marco