My first tube integrated: which one to get?

I spent the last 35 or so years listening to SS only and last year I ended up in the same place you are now. I looked at a bunch of "starter" tube integrateds, probably same stuff you came across too: Cary (used), Quicksilver, Rogue, Raven, Decware, Jolida/Black Ice. Primaluna, Line Magnetic, etc. Also got curious about Belles Aria and Croft Phono Integrated along the way. Ended up with a used Conrad-Johnson CAV45. No pre- or phono, so not good for your situation.

I am responding to your question about whether it's worth it. In general, I feel more engaged in the music. Hard to put a finger on with my 50+ year-old ears, but undeniable. Could also just be that it's interestingly different from my previous SS amp (Classe, which I also really liked). Anyway, I'm really glad I took the leap to try tubes and didn't go to my grave wondering about it. I concluded I would be happy with tubes or SS, but that right now I prefer the tubes.

I also think it's worth mentioning some non-musical factors that influenced me: tubes are a fun, interactive niche in the world of 2 channel audio (itself a niche at this point); CJ is a local business for me (ease of service in a hobby where this is inevitable); the gold faceplate reminds me of my childhood wandering around Myer-Emco in awe; and the CAV-45 itself has a very minimalist design, which is my style. A bit of a digression, but one or more of these factors could tip the scales for you if you feel comfortable giving weight to psychoacoustics.

As the purchaser of the AR VSi-60 @runwell mentioned from TMR, I can agree this is a smart way to go to see if your particular set up matches with tubes. The AR is indeed a fine piece of equipment, and can now be had at great value. The looks may or may not be your cup of tea. I went from SS to a Heaven 11 Billie hybrid integrated, which did sound quite good, especially for the price. But my Sonus Faber Signums were asking for more. The less-than-half quoted power of the AR brought more life to the speakers than the Heaven 11. And I'm a vocal / midrange guy so the pairing was good. (Not to say I might not want to keep experimenting!)

Good luck. 

Was in the same place a few years ago and decided to try a tube preamp with my Mac MC250 which is tubish sounding. Got a budget Chinese tube pre from YS Audio/Audio Expressions and a CJ PV 10. Both were eye openers and really increased my enjoyment especially of jazz, acoustic music, and my favorite female vocals. I ultimately went in a different direction but primarily because my wife was uncomfortable with the tube operations and living in HI the heat was kind of rough. Likely not as bad as a tube power amp but it made its impact known. If you like your power amps, I would suggest trying a pre first. BTW I did hear the CJ45/50 in a store in Memphis and LOVED it. It was superior to the Cronus and much more of the tube sound. The Cm seemed to me to be a SS amp with soft edges. I also liked the Quicksilver but felt it would not work well with my Ohm Walsh 2s. But both of those are quite nice and give the tube experience. I also have heard Raven Audio and Primaluna and would rate Raven highly. I am not sure of their prices these days but the unit I heard at a friends in NY was very nice playing thru Kef LS50s in a small NYC apartment. Good luck.

I've had a Jolida JD-1000A Integrated Amp for many years and it been an outstanding performer and without mechanical issues.  If was looking I'd have a look at the Jolida/Black Ice product line.

@lradder 

Cary products are made in China.

Where did you come by that tid-bit of bogus misinformation?