need tube amp advice

Hi all,
I'm not a very experienced audiophile and just had a few solid state integrated amps in my system so far. Encouraged by many threads here on Audiogon and also by listening to some equipment at the HT show in NYC, I got really curious about tube amplification and would like to give it a try.

My current system is pretty simple (and I'd like to keep it as simple as possible): Audio Physic Virgo, Sim Audio Moon I-5, Rega Planet (ok, that one should be upgraded soon, as well). I'd describe the sound as very detailed, accurate and neutral (which I like), but also a bit dry and uninvolving at times (which I hope to remedy with tubes). Now I'm considering several options:

1) getting a tube integrated - seems like the Cary SLI-80 could be good choice, also the price (used) is very well in my limits (around 2.5k$). What would be the next step up from the Cary (integrated amp)?
2) I could use my I-5 as a pre-amp and hook it up to a tube power amp. Most people seem to favor the BAT VK-60 or the Audio Research VT100-MK2 with the Virgos. Would these match with the I-5 as pre? Anybody ever tried that combination?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Joern