Entry level tube amps?

-Cayin TA-30 (Bizzybee upgrades.. biasing pots on the side, vs underneath) $600-700

Prima Luna Prologe II $900-1100. Auto-biasing, soft start circuit. Basically plug and play, no hassle.

Some believe that both are basically the same amps. Kevin Deal who imports the PrimaLuna line claims better internals. I don't know. I have the PLII. I like mine quite a bit.

The Cayin (takes awhile to find one) has a pre-out to separate the preamp and amp, going for it.

I bought this model for the same reason you are. Easy to tube roll. Both uses almost all power tubes. KT88, 6550, EL34s.

If you're coming from solid state, from what I've read, the Russian Gold Lion "re-issues" KT88s are supposed to be very very good. I have a set, haven't plugged them in yet (waiting to get my room in order).

Currently have Electo Harmonix (EH) 6550s in and stock preamp tubes, quite like it.

I got my tubes from Jim McShane (google him, very well regarded), and Kevin Deal at upscale audio is suppose to be very good as well.

Also, look into the Monarchy M24 all tube DAC and linestage (2 separate power supplies). It has a 3K output impedance though, but you could use it as a "tube" preamp to go with your existing power amp (no worry about driving speakers). To get your toes wet.

I went this way for a while, but decided to go full tube integrated.

From 9 feet away, I dont' find tubes that hot. IME, a non-issue. Just go for it.

You can probably find a used Music Reference RM-9 for under $2000.00, but it's far, far better than an entry-level amp. It's the first tube amp I ever heard and I understood all the fuss immediately. Seriously great amp.

I agree with Joelv,Music Reference RM-9 is a world class amp the best for the money and very reliable.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Please keep in mind that my goal is to get more texture in the midrange compared to my current amp, First Watt F5, which is rather good one in terms of midrange performance. I don't need a lot of power, as my current amp is 25Wpc only and it's plenty enough. I did hear Cary V12, although not in my system, and the characteristics is close to what I'm after.

Surprised no one has mentioned the BAT VK 55. A great tube amp, with a fabulous midrange. Used would be in your price range. I had a full BAT tube set up with Wilson Maxx's, and it took more money than I would like to admit to outperform them.