Diving into the world of tubes...help needed!

Thanks noodlyarm!

Someone in another forum has basically convinced me to home audition both of my interests (which have now boiled down to the Vincent or the PL EVO 100 Integrated).  I've found a dealer for each, that are about an hour away...so if they'll let me take them both home I'd be very happy!  For one I may have to actually buy it and pay a restocking fee (5%) though.

I also agree with going rogue . Service from Nick is spot on and the quality is top notch . Glorious sound stage . 

@davekayc They seem nice, especially the Cronus III...but just too far out of my price range. It's about $4000 plus 13% tax where I live.

Speaking of bargain gear, my original series Schiit Freya preamp (there are two newer versions, one without tubes and a supposed improved version of the tubed one) sounds excellent, as does the Schiit Aegir amp I just bought out of curiosity (I generally use a Dennis Had tube amp...also relatively inexpensive)...total for those two was around 1,600 bucks, USA made, and the Aegir is by far the least expensive amp to make the Stereophile Class A recommended stuff list. Note the Aegir needs either efficient speakers (mine are rated at 99db) or use two in balanced mono. I agree with Atmasphere that tone controls are rarely needed if your rig is well sorted, but a Schiit Loki (too much Schiit? maybe...still another very inexpensive option) is by far the least harmful EQ I’ve ever used...utterly transparent (mine is always off until called into service), and useful here and there.

Wolf, I know you were thinking of purchasing the Pass XA25, as was I.  How do you like the Aegir and has it stopped you thinking about the Pass?