Advice on integrated tube amps

OP here. I'm currently using an Onkyo reciever that puts out 65w/ch. I rarely exceed 1/2 the volume and it does a fine job. I listen to some rock-n-roll(no heavy metal) but trend more toward stuff like Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovett(who I might add makes beautiful albums, check out "The Road to Ensenada" or "Smile: Songs From the Movies"), Steve Earle, Guy Clarke, The Two Dollar Pistols(check that out), Alt. Bluegrass, Classical Music, etc... I really enjoy well recorded and mixed music, but prefer accoustical stuff. There's just something about those tubes glowing when the ligts are low that makes me feel like "I gotta get me somma that!"

FWIW, I've gotten beautiful sound using a 30W/ch 6L6-based tube amp with Dynaudio Contour 1.1 "clone" DIY loudspeakers (Esotec tweeters/17W75 woofers), debunking (for me at least) the contention that Dynaudio loudspeakers are power hungry.

You'll want something that does both voice and rhythm. It's possible. There are tube amps, even reasonably-priced integrateds, that can give you both that lovely, liquid, almost 3-D singer floating in space between your speakers and the speed and timing that will make you have to choose between sitting there glued to the music or dancing around the room.

It's my guess that your system is quite dynamic but a bit flat. Your speakers can do justice to a much better amp, but they would prefer one that has a bit of punch. Taking speakers in to a store so you can listen to an amp is a lot harder than doing it the other way round, but your speakers are the best thing you've mentioned. You haven't said what your source is.

If your significant other is not enthusiastic about a system that makes great music, she may not yet have heard something that really touches her. Female listeners are often humbling to me because they actually seem to hear better. If you want good gear, she may well be able to tell you what's the best.

OP here. Thanks for all your input. I'll do some shopping around over the holidays. I will most likely take the speakers with me to a couple of places as I visit relatives to see how they sound with different amps. I'll post another update if things work out. Happy Thanksgiving.

If you can find heathkit W4-AM mono blocks you'll be very happy. A real steal. Beautiful sounding.Use the onkyo for pre amp. great match for any speakers in a room your size. Look on audiogon or audioweb.com