Auditioning a Tube Amp

My current main setup are Odyssey Stratos Monos, Thiel CS3.5, Denon PRA-1500, and Oppo DV-981HD. I'm actually very satisifed with what I'm getting out of this system. I'm thinking of a low powered (and cost) tube amp for a secondary system. I understand that I will need a higher efficiency speaker. I've had good results with a Klipsch KG-2 and a 7 watt (8 ohm) TA2024 based amp, but if I need to get some better higher efficiency speakers, so be it. Maybe the subject of another post. I also have a number of lower efficiency classics laying around ADS L810, Dynaco A-35, Spica TC-50, and Energy Pro 22 among others.

I've been listening alot to Knopfler's Kill To Get Crimson lately, I'll bring that along for the vocals and maybe some Acoustic Alchemy. The Baby is noted for being dead quiet, but what if there is just a hint of buzz? A bit is acceptable for SS, is it not for tubes? I think I'm going to pick this one up for under $300, so I can splurge a bit for some new tubes or a checkup by Sophia if necessary, as I'm in the DC area. The owner has put in Western Electric tubes and seems very knowledgeable, probably an A-goner himself.

What about the tubes themselves, is there something that can be discerned from how bright they are or
aren't, how they light up or dim on power disconnect? I can compare them to each other, but have no real feel for what is normal.

Try to arrange for a time when you can have an extended audition. Don't fly through tracks seeking a demonstration of sonic acrobatics, that's the forte of solid state, IMO. Just relax and listen to some of your favorite sides without cognitive analysis. I regard a good tube amplifier's ability to keep you involved and draw you deeper into the music as a major relative strength.

$300?

snap it up!

Consider auditioning a well broken in set for a weekend. A good store will let you take home a demo -- with or without a credit card imprint in case you take off with it.
Everything is different. Highly subjective.

"The Baby is noted for being dead quiet, but what if there is just a hint of buzz? A bit is acceptable for SS, is it not for tubes?"

You may hear some hum or slight noise with any amp, maybe more likely with tubes that SS. I don't see it as the huge deal that Ckoffend seems to believe it is.
CK - Did you get burned buying a noisy amp or something?