What tube amp for starting out?

Groundhog, like Tvad has said, we need to know what kind of speakers you're driving. Better yet, give us your entire rig and the music you love most. Then we can give you some tips on what may help you out. Realistic, but dead in the mid range? The core, the gestalt of realism is in the midrange. This is where most of your music is. Maybe you don't require a new amp. This could get to be an expensive answer to your question or just the reverse.

warren :)

Again get it right the first time,MC275IV,I have one and it is one great amp.It is auto bias so you never have to worry about biasing after new tubes if you get into tube rolling.If you stick to stock tubes they are rated for 3,000 plus hours.You can get a low hours used one on Agon for around $2700.00.

Hybrid amps like Counterpoint with solid state output would require less care (biasing, tube life) compared to all- tube amps

OK;
This is my system,
1.ST-70 AMP
2.PAS-3 PREAMP
3.Infinity Primus 360 speakers
I like rock & roll...country..big band..western swing
some classic
I have my doubts about the new EL-34 Mullards
any ideas about a quad

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