Entry Level Tube Integrated Amps

I love my McIntosh MA252 integrated amp.  I love its profile, but more than that, I love the sound.  I have used it to power S/F Serafino’s, and now have my MT5 turntable hooked up, a BlueSound Node, and running into B&W 804’s.  I don’t use this system currently to power the living room, but I have in a previous house.  It is a lovely sounding piece of equipment (set up).

@grislybutter  Vincent makes hybrid integrated amps not tube integrated amps

A Decware Mini Torii would work very well with those Heresys

I use mine with some Klipsch Quartets.  very lively sound

I reentered the tube amp world a few years ago with an Olchen EL 34 for $350, it’s not bad, but not great. Now sits in my office driving Klipsch RPM 160, predecessor to the RPM 600. Sounds good enough for background musicwhile I work. 
 

Next came a Dennis Had KT-88 Firebottle, 6-10 wpc of single ended class A with no negative feedback.  I had Dennis build it with a high quality volume pot so I don’t run through a preamp. Sounds absolutely divine, layered soundstage and rich full midrange driving Vienna Acoustics Bachs in my master bedroom.  The amp can run 6550, 6L6, EL 34, KT-88 tubes driven by a single 6SN7 or 6SL7, a tube rollers dream amp. 

Then I bought a Willsenton R800i 845 single ended class A that puts out 20 wpc but with pretty strong negative feedback. It’s a beast and drives Klipsch Forte IIIs and a pair of Focal Aria 926 for a more intimate, smaller soundstage effect. I never get the volume dial past 11 o’clock. This rig is in a large, wide living room/den with tall ceilings. Playing through the Klipsch is like being at a live performance with the best recordings.

Finally came a Cary Audio 300SEI LX20 running KR Audio 300B XLS tubes that can output 20 wpc in single ended class A with no negative feedback. A Dennis Had design when he ran Cary Audio. This amp drives an older pair of JMLabs 716S. I’ve also run it through the Klipsch Fortes. The epitome of 300b sound signature! 
 

A good sample of ch-fi and US made boutique tube amps.  My recommendation would be to find a Dennis Had Inspire to drive your Klipsch Heresy’s.  He builds them by hand one at a time in Cary, NC and sells them on ebay under radioman731. They range from $2,500 for a KT-88 to $5,000 for his 300b with Western Electric new production tubes.  HiFi Huff reviewed the 300b and called it an amp for life. 
 

Best of luck on your tube journey.  Cheers! 

Gentlemen: On this Christmas morning, thank you for your very thoughtful recommendations and opinions on integrated tube amps (and some hybrid integrateds, too)! I have a lot of research to do, but now have a point of reference to start this tube journey. I compiled the amps in the thread and have listed them here for your perusal pleasure (and maybe your curiosity......).

Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II

Prima Luna Evo 100 Integrated

Quick Silver

Black Silver Audio 

Raven Audio Blackhawk

Consonance Ref 5.5

Rogers

Willsenton R8

Willsenton R800i

Analogue Ethos

Black Ice FX10

Musical Paradise MP-301 MK III

Boyuurange Reisong A50 MK III (EL 34)

Muzishare X7 (KT88)

Olchen EL 34

Dennis Had KT 88 Firebottle

Dennis Had Inspire

Cary Audio 300 SEI LX20

Vincent Audio (Hybrid Integrated)

McIntosh MA252 (Hybrid Integrated)