Getting into Tube Equipment

>>>>> BTW Jerry Garcia always insisted on Mcintosh gear back in the day. <<<<<
Yes... they started with tubed Mac's.  When they changed to solid state the sound changed not for the better.  A friend I worked with (in an audio store) who was a Dead fan,  told me that when they switched to solid state what he heard began to give him a headache.

I still have a Dynamo ST70 paired with a PAS 3x From the 70's.  Over the years have has several upgrades, cap replacements, different tubes, etc.  Bypassed tone controls on the PAS, upgraded resistors, etc.  Still sounds the same.  Compared to my more modern kit, the Dynaco stuff is a stroll down memory lane, but not as satisfying in terms of detail, resolution, and dynamics.  Soundstage is good, but the distortion is so high it obscures much of what is available from the source material (the distortion is lovely, second order harmonics adding a certain "lushness" to the sound).

What I have found is that modern SS electronics, properly matched to speakers (the 86dB Dentons will want more power, probably 100 wpm + if you want to listen at high volumes), room acoustics, and how loud you want to listen, will deliver adequate power to get the most out of your speakers.  Choice of cartridge (we are assuming vinyl playback here), cartridge loading, and choice of interconnect cable between your turntable and phono pre (capacitance) can function as tone controls.  Try running your cartridge as unloaded as possible for more detail and air;  increasing the load will change the resonant peak frequency and amplitude in addition to changing the amount of detail retrieval (you will need to experiment because often as the very high frequencies drop in amplitude, it can accentuate the presence of high-mid to high frequencies in the audible bandwidth, resulting in a more brittle sound, a counter-intuitive result).  Eventually, you will settle on a loading scheme that will get you the results you want.

Spend your money on a good turntable, cartridge, and phono-pre.  I am an avowed audio cheapskate, so I am currently using a new Technics SL1200 GR (removable head shell allows me to easily swap carts, RCA outs let me change interconnects, super easy to adjust).  Run that through any competently manufactured modern SS amplification system and you will likely find the sound that you are seeking.  My old Dynaco stuff stays in the closet.

FULL DISCLOSURE:  I am currently using an Odyssey Audio Candela preamp that has a tube gain stage.

The amps used in the Grateful Dead's "Wall of Sound" were MacIntosh MC-2300 SS units.  Jerry continued to use the MC-2300 amps for a while after the "Wall" was retired.  For a short time in '72 he used MC3500 tube amps for his guitar signal before he switched over to the more powerful and reliable MC-2300s.

I first started my foray into tube amps by restoring an old Fisher (400?). It sounded amazing and since this was my first and only experience with tubes it is what I grew to love. It has a very warm glow and sounds very warm. It takes the edge of CDs really well.

I've since moved on to the Cayin a-55t, still warm but resolves more of the music I think. Still searching for the right speakers - I was using Wharfedale Diamond 220's that I loved but found a brand new pair of Monitor Audio Silver for a third of the list price as the place was going out of business. Still breaking them in as they sound a bit bright to me (still).

I use a Lavry DAC DA-10 DAC in my living room system (Rotel and B&W based) and the Lavry is an incredibel DAC. I didn't want to spend as much for my office system which is where I have the Cayin and bought a Musical Fidelity V90 which sounds good but not as good. 

If you only listen to vinyl then a DAC doesn't matter, if you listen to CD a good DAC make a really Big difference. The Cayin a-55t is hard to find I got mine for $800 so if you see one grab it is all I can say. I have a Jolida 102B amp that I was using before. The Cayin uses EL34 output tubes and the Jolida EL 84. I think think the EL34 sounds a little closer to the Fisher than the EL 84 sound. It was hard for me to believe that different tubes make a difference but by trial and error I have found this to be true. Good luck with your search - so many options - so little money to chase after them all! Regards

I will second the top marks review on the Pro-Ject DS2.  For me it's Rega P3 into the Pro-Ject and then into tube pre-amp/headphone amp and power amp.  (I use DecWare CSP3 for phones/pre, and Line Magnetic 218 for power).  Love this rig.  Only gripe is the single speed of the P3 so I can't play 45s. Maybe have to upgrade to the external power supply... https://www.stevenzeller.com/stereo/2 https://www.stevenzeller.com/stereo/3