Entry level tube amps?

Thanks all for the suggestions. Please keep in mind that my goal is to get more texture in the midrange compared to my current amp, First Watt F5, which is rather good one in terms of midrange performance. I don't need a lot of power, as my current amp is 25Wpc only and it's plenty enough. I did hear Cary V12, although not in my system, and the characteristics is close to what I'm after.

Surprised no one has mentioned the BAT VK 55. A great tube amp, with a fabulous midrange. Used would be in your price range. I had a full BAT tube set up with Wilson Maxx's, and it took more money than I would like to admit to outperform them.

I think any great tube amp will give you more life and texture in the midrange, that's what tubes are known for!

The best tube amps I've ever heard were from BAT and Music Reference. While you're looking to "get into" tubes, for your budget you might be able to buy a used one that will satisfy you for a good while. You might buy your first and last tube amp at once.

What is the rest of your system consist of? What are you currently using as a pre? If you are all SS, you will get more tube bang for your buck adding a tube preamp first, and then going to a tub amp.

I have CJ 16LS v2 for pre. I've always used SS power amps. I've used Theta, Proceed, Mark Levinson, and currently First Watt amp. All the gears in my system are listed in the link that says "System" next to my user id.

I like the sound of my system. The sound can be characterised as dynamic, clear, detailed, well extended to both freq extremes. The midrange is smooth, realistic, and life like. I really like the realistic harmonics of the piano, thanks to the amp from Nelson Pass.

The one thing I miss from the sound is the texture in the midrange. As I have expressed in the original post, I would like to hear more resin in the bow of cello, and reed of the sax. I'm not sure if that's all possible with the change in the power amp alone. That's why I am calling it as a trial.