Desire to try tubes


So I am new to this have no audio contacts, and low budget it seems based on reading forum. I inherited my brothers Heresy I’s (and LP /CD collection) two years ago and started my journey. First bought a Rega P3 and Rega Fono stage running with existing 20 yo Denon 5.1. Then upgraded the Hereseys from Crites with crossovers and new tweeters (46 yo units). Months later after research and savings bought Stellar GCD and Stellar S 300 amp along with Syzygy SLF 870 sub from Underwoodwally. Nice! Next Marantz 6006 CD as transport and Underwood Emerald Physics and Core Power gold power cords and speaker cables. As able Audio Quest entry connects for all. Each move improved sound. Added a Bluesound node 2i as well only listening to Pandora though. I have no reference to options as I’ve only owned Hereseys and never heard a tube amp in a home and am very curious if a tube pre-amp would be a big plus? If I tried one could muster up to 5k. Just looking for the best sound quality I can afford.
Room is 14.6 x 14.10 x sloped ceiling 8-13’ with 5’ flat section at 13.
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Showing 1 response by rcronk

I suggest trying the Rogue series from $800 to $4,000 for easy use and it is not necessary to be an electrical engineer to use.  These are integrated amps and I also like the ones that have a tube 'pre-amp' and non-tube full amp.  These are the least fussy and give the richness of tubes without the many other hassels.  I have a Peachtree X-1 hybred integrated amp that is my favorite at 440 watts per channel.  I also have a nice Vincent 701 pre-amp for my turntable that features 1 12AU7 tube that really pumps up the vinyl that is further tubed by the 2 tubes in the amplifier 'pre-amp'.  This amp is not longer available new. 
 
Atma-sphere is built in Minnesota and run by really great people to work with and the producer of one of the best series built in the U.S.  A wide range of choices and they build to your specs and needs.  These guys will even send you a unit to try out before you purchase.  This is hard to beat.  I think they know once you have heard their amps you will park it in their lot.  If you talk with Ralph he will make it easy.  See the opening video on their web site.  My next amp will be from Atma-sphere where they will build a capable fully tubed amp with a tubed phono stage preamp built in for under $2,500.  You should at least 'test drive' one of their products.  

Richard