Getting started w/ tube equipment


I am interested in tubed components and, knowing nothing about them, am wondering what a good place to start is.

Some reference material that might explain advantages/disadvantages to integrated or separate.

What to look for to match components and perhaps some suggestions for a good place to start (brand, model, etc.)

I recognize this is highly subjective based on individual style and preference, rooms, etc. but i need to start somewhere...

Thanks.
botit
Assuming that your speakers are compatible with tube amps, and many are not, I would start with something both reliable and easy to play with.

Depending on your expectations, getting good sounding tube based audio systems can be seen as a black art. Because of the ability to simply change tube brands/types to get a different tone you have unlocked not only the possibility to get the sound you want without continually changing amps/pre-amps/sources, etc, to do so, but unfortunately, a Pandora's box if you are too ambitious in the beginning. You must also have or develope a frame of reference for the sound quality you are seeking. I would NOT start out with tubed separates even though they may have greater potential in the long run.

Personally, if they were compatible with my speakers, I would start out with an integrated unit. You won't loose that much quality in comparison with separates (more flexibility, potential improvement in sonic quality, build quality, in system building, but also with all of the added interface issues and costs).

A Primaluna integrated would be a good place to begin. They are very reliable, very easy to maintain, very easy to change tubes, not too expensive, and very easy to resell if or when you want to move on. Don't get caught up in that anti-Chinese stuff. The are great place to START.

If all you want to do is buy good plug and play tubed stuff this is a good place to start and probably finish.

Hope that helps a tad, at least.
Need more info on your system, tastes and budget before an informed answer can be given.

What speakers do you have?
What amp/preamp do you currently have?
What size room?
How loud do you listen to your music?
What kind of music do you listen to?
How important is bass to you?
What musical traits are you looking for?
Is this a dedicated 2 channel system or will you also use this for home theater?
What source do you use?
What is your budget?

I will say that the tube maintenance issue is generally overblown and should not deter the majority of interested people from checking out tube gear.

Tube gear does span the spectrum from tonally colored to incredibly transparent and everything in between.

Get back to us with some of the above and I think the tube equipment afficianados on the board should be able to provide some good recommendations.
I would absolutely encourage you to explore chinese brands. Make sure you buy from an established and reliable us dealer(assuming your in us). Also dont rule out used equipment there are many great bargains right here on the gon.
Start with the power requirement of your speakers this will help you determine the best topology to persue for your power amp. read read read. A good resource is upscale audio for new equipment,they can give you good guidance for getting started and can accommodate a variety of budgets as well as reasonable prices on tubes for equipment you have bought from them.
frankly I would start with tube friendly (high impedance easy to drive) speakers

then look for the proper amp