First Tube amp suggestions

Tubes are definitely the way to go. Consider avoiding entry level tube amplifiers because as soon as you get it you’ll have an urge to upgrade. Some people are perfectly happy, but I sense you probably want more.

If possible make an aggressive purchase in the mid range of the product lines you wil pursue.

Room size is a good size.

If I had to do it again I would pursue speakers that don’t require a lot of power so you can take advantage of lower wattage tube amplifiers, and there are many gems out there.

I’m currently using 300 w mono amplifiers.

I started my tube journey 2 years ago, having the urge Iike yourself. I purchased a used Jolida JD302B with a good set of tubes for $800, and hooked it up to my 40 year set of Cornwalls , sounded very nice The seller had this hooked up to a set of Ohm Walsh 4’s, which I had never heard of, but curiosity got the best of me…

Within 6 months I bought a pair of well used Ohm Walsh 3XO’s. Since then I have had the Ohms fully factory rebuilt ( Talking to john @ Ohms was great BTW) and did some tube rolling and the sound was fantastic. 

I had been watching the Black Ice product emerge and grow and reached out to them for advice on which amp they would recommend for my OHM’s if I were to switch. The CEO Jerred responded and asked me to call him when I had a chance, which I did the next day. Very enlightening to say the least

I now own a Black Ice F22, with a great set of Mullard KT88’s and Mullard 12ax7’s, that Jerred offered at a great $$….the Bass is well above the Jolida and he soundstage is expanded as well, and just has a “cool” look to it, black glass and black carbon fiber with glowing logos and tubes

I have 45 days to decide if I want to keep it or not, which is standard for them, as well as some other mfgs. Jerred and Black Ice are passionate about their products and their customers satisfaction, as is John @ OHM speakers. How many other companies can you call and talk to the CEO,often they are the ones picking up the phone. Great affordable equipment with no BS….not going to get that from an Amazon seller

Hope your journey is as fruitful as mine 

Alot of recommendations for the Black Ice amps and I don't really understand why (perhaps being US designed?).  The only model in your price range is their entry level FX10 which won't have the power to properly drive your speakers.  Stretching the budget and stepping up to the F11 gets you sufficient power but there are much better values at that price point.  You'd also be stuck with el84 tubes. 

The Willsenton R8 on the other hand goes for under 1500 on Amazon, allows you to choose el34 and KT88 power tubes, is switchable between triode and ultra linear (a must for a push pull amp imo), and also weighs 60 lbs thanks to some beefy transformers.  Even if you stepped up to their top integrated, the F35, you still wouldn't get the triode mode and it weights about 10lbs less, while being more then 2x the price.  The R8 is a perfect choice if you are ok with "Chi-Fi".   

@perkadin "The R8 is a perfect choice if you are ok with "Chi-Fi". "

Self trouble-shooting skills -or- a willing local repair technician with replacement parts may be required. For awareness, quote "Bias board issues, channel issues, loud cracking issues, fixing lead dress, and grounding faults", no circuit diagrams to diagnose it’ and fix it"...

Look around carefully before taking the initial low cost leap.

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/willsenton-r8-channel-issues.1168466/

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/willsenton-r8-supplier-request.396406/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54WPA5tWyL8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dCF9_r_xgY

The Black Ice amps, heck tube amps in general, may have many of the same issues, several of those you just described are mentioned in Black Ice’s Troubleshooting section of their website. It did look like there were responses from the manufacturer so perhaps the issues in both cases were resolved, albeit with some frustration.

But you bring up a good point and that’s what I meant by being ok with Chi-Fi. You have to be ok with the idea that you are buying direct from China and you may not have a phone number to call for support and will likely end up swapping emails. If an issue does arise you may even have to find an independent repair shop. I think Black Ice does a much better job supporting their products and offer a 1-800 number. It’s up to you to decide if that’s worth the added cost.

The good news is that these are very low tech items, very reliable, and one of the few types of consumer electronics that can be repaired. Youtube channels like Skunkworks are great for DIYers. Check out Danny from GR Research, that guy rips nearly everything lol. I personally would never mod a speaker, but I’m glad there are people out there that still repair, fix and tinker. It’s becoming a lost art. .