Desire to try tubes

Thanks, will starting with pre-amp better than tube amp? Do you need both for the best tube sound? 5k would be tops for both if need/desire both. And yes i will check those resources to understand impedence matching did not know about that...

I have experience with one all-tube system and one higher quality solid state integrated unit. Then, I've mixed and matched as follows: (a) tube preamp with a solid state amp and (b) also the other way around, a solid state preamp with a tube amp.

Overall, the all tube sound is preferable to me, but the next biggest difference is delivered by (a), the tube preamp w/ solid state amp.

The suggestion of a hybrid integrated is an excellent one, as are the suggestions to consider trying things out, including speakers which might also be more expressive of what tube gear can deliver. Only once you've educated your ear a bit can you know what's most important to you. That said, if you got a hybrid integrated, you'd have some variability in the tube rolling section of the preamp already at your service.

Skip the pre-amp. Tube integrated amps are a lot more value per dollar. In your price range and with your speakers this is a no-brainer.   https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/blackhawk-mk3/
This will be way better than I have in my system, and its one damn fine system. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367

My next amp will be either an Osprey or https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/reflection-mk2/

Separates are a waste of money. The extra power of the Osprey is insignificant. Get it only if you think you will really enjoy tube-rolling. In your price range the Blackhawk is totally the way to go. You can thank me later.

Supratek preamp. $2500. Best deal in audio. My previous preamp@$7500 didn’t hold a candle to it.  

Whatever you do, OP, don’t expect to be "one and done." No matter what people tell you, even the "best" systems eventually move on to something better. Even the most confident audiophiles eventually replace their "ultimate speakers" with better ones, same with amps, etc.

Oh, and by the way, Raven has a pretty amazing 45 day trial period while Supratek, which I’ve read great things about, is shipping from Australia. [From their site: "Most product is made to order, a deposit is required and balance on completion . Completion is typically 4-8 weeks, depending on demand. Freight is typically $US 200 to USA, EUROPE, ASIA , $AUD 150-200 within Australia."]

Other names to just toss around which were on my shortlist: Erhard Audio, Herron, Don Sachs, deHavilland, Quicksilver (which I own), VAC.

I had a TWO real bad experiences from the folks down under.. the problem, BOTH companies didn’t give a hoot if they got bad reviews or not.. AND there was NO legal recourse. NONE... Unless you’re a lawyer and can practice law in Australia. NO THANKS!

The travel and transportation cost, tack on a HEAFTY price, alone... 10-15 %.

Our domestic products, 1% for import cost, at the most.. AND you can fly to their doorstep and complain.. You can’t with Australian products. Again there is NO recourse anyways...Better luck dealing with the Chinese, really!, Hate to say it..

There are three products I’m going to try before I quit. Raven is one.

One (ONLY ONE) if I can ever afford it (rich uncle thing). TOP TOP TOP of the line Mcintosh gear. Speakers back to the wall sockets their hardwired into.

Cary Audio, SPL-05, all the WAB, and a pair of TOP TOP TOP, OTL monoblocks (RE) in Jaguar burgundy RED.

My current speakers collection, and unfinished collection will last me 5 lifetimes...

Thank you very much... MY wish list fellas... 250-300,000. aught to cover the Mac stuff... :-) No I’m not a Mac Speaker fan, I don’t think I am anyways. Haven’t heard a ton of them.. Where you gonna listen to them "A Show"..??

Big Plus 1 for Raven..dollar wise in the long run...

I want to hear a 30 watter on the new Planars from GRS.
In 2 month I'll be close.. No paint but I'll have working Bookshelf/planars, Kmini, KMaxy speakers. :-)

Time to feed the chickens... Come on Dog....


Regards