I want to try tubes, need suggestions

It depends on what speakers you will be using the amp with. Don't rush into buying unless you have nailed down the speakers.

That is most important. Cheers,
Spencer

To Philjolet

I had the stingray and the soro back to back and was able to compare both at the dealer. IMO the soro has a more detailed and bigger presentation, just more music there, and with some new tubes had a sound that i preferred. I did not tube roll with the manley so i might have missed something. the soro was a little flat sounding with standard tubes though.

hope this helps.

Cheap, get your toes wet option: used Onix SP-3 (about $400)

Midrange option: Prima Luna Prologue One or Two (about $1k )

Highend option: Cayin A88-T (designed to sound like McIntosh 275) ($2k ).

All three have received glowing reviews in the magazines. I own all three and can vouch for them. The Primaluna has autobiasing which makes it easy to use and easy to try different tubes with.

Leben integrated amps can sometimes be had at or near your price limit. Build quality and sound are both first rate!