Auditioning a Tube Amp

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?

I picked the Baby up yesterday. It is, in fact, dead quiet and in nice shape. I've run a few pairs of speakers through, knowing they are not, on paper at least, good matches, but with nothing to lose. Klipsch KG-2, Energy Pro 22, and Spica TC-50. None very satisfying. I thought the KG-2 might have been a good match, but no dice. I do have some older Dynaco's, the A-25 and A-35, how would these fair? The only higher efficiency set I have are an Infinity P-FR, but these are going to need some work. I could also go the DIY route and get some Fostex 206 or 207 drivers for $200 or so the pair. The previous owner had Sequerra Mets on it, I've got some feelers out already for a pair of those. Anyway, any ideas in something easy to get and $300 or less for the pair (used, definitely). I'm using a DVD-A player I've had good results with on my main rig, I don't think the source is the issue.