Advice on integrated tube amps

I have a pal who uses the HIT Audio MT-88 (rated 45 wpc from a quad of 6550s in p-p ) with his Dynaudios. He chose that amp because it's a rocker, he says. I haven't heard his setup yet, but he's used Sim Moon electronics in the past, if that's any guide. The MT-88 is way out of allmondm's price range, though.

My own choice would be the lower-powered, sweeter EL34 model, but then I have Meadowlarks and I like eight-part medieval harmony.

That doesn't mean allmondm can't like the same thing on Dynaudios, though. I'm trying to guess his musical taste from his choice of speakers, and I could be way wrong.

I like Refsquared's answer--it's hard to make good suggestions out of context. Dynaudios are pretty dynamic (hence the name, perhaps) and if you have them you may be a rocker at heart. If that's the case you might prefer an amp built for 6550 or KT88 output tubes, not EL34s (which are my preference).

If I were looking for tube integrateds I would jump at an Arpège if I could get one at a good price, and otherwise I'd want a HIT audio amp. These are Cayin designs but with upgraded parts. They are hand-built and reliability does not appear to be an issue. Antique Sound Labs might be a good bet at lower prices

Canadian distributor's HIT Audio line

You'll want something that does both voice and rhythm. It's possible. There are tube amps, even reasonably-priced integrateds, that can give you both that lovely, liquid, almost 3-D singer floating in space between your speakers and the speed and timing that will make you have to choose between sitting there glued to the music or dancing around the room.

It's my guess that your system is quite dynamic but a bit flat. Your speakers can do justice to a much better amp, but they would prefer one that has a bit of punch. Taking speakers in to a store so you can listen to an amp is a lot harder than doing it the other way round, but your speakers are the best thing you've mentioned. You haven't said what your source is.

If your significant other is not enthusiastic about a system that makes great music, she may not yet have heard something that really touches her. Female listeners are often humbling to me because they actually seem to hear better. If you want good gear, she may well be able to tell you what's the best.