Picking a Tube integrated amp

I'm very familiar with the original VAC Avatar, which has four things going for it: 1) Switchable between triode/ultralinear, 2) great el34 tube sound for voice/midrange, 3) it's a VAC, which means great sound and good investment at used prices, 4) not really any advances in tube sound since it was made, and VAC still supports them.

The subsequent Avatar models might be better in some ways, but I've never heard them, and you lose 1) and 2) above.

I too am interested in an integrated change. I recently got the Vivid 1.5 as well. I have a Cary SLI-80 Sig F1 and I am wondering where to go for an upgrade without spending too much, so all thoughts are welcome. One possibility would be the Dialogue Premium without the HP but putting in the KT 150 tubes. Any thoughts? Has anyone head the synthesis 100 watt integrated with built in DAC? It sounded quite good to me but is not well known and is pricey. Thoughts on T+A would be appreciated.

@crwindy I've heard the Synthesis integrated with the built in DAC twice its a fantastic sounding integrated and a very good value for what you get. My local dealer Deja Vu Audio imports Synthesis I heard it in one of their rooms driving a pair of Audio Note AN-K's. The sound was so good it convinced me to get AN speakers, I have an amp I love already. I also heard it in November at Capitol Audio Fest driving the brand new Harbeth 30.2, the sound was so good I stayed for the entire second side of Dark Side of the Moon.

Another vote for Rogue.

Ayon, Line Magnetic and Raven Audio are all top shelf tube pieces.