I first started my foray into tube amps by restoring an old Fisher (400?). It sounded amazing and since this was my first and only experience with tubes it is what I grew to love. It has a very warm glow and sounds very warm. It takes the edge of CDs really well.
I've since moved on to the Cayin a-55t, still warm but resolves more of the music I think. Still searching for the right speakers - I was using Wharfedale Diamond 220's that I loved but found a brand new pair of Monitor Audio Silver for a third of the list price as the place was going out of business. Still breaking them in as they sound a bit bright to me (still).
I use a Lavry DAC DA-10 DAC in my living room system (Rotel and B&W based) and the Lavry is an incredibel DAC. I didn't want to spend as much for my office system which is where I have the Cayin and bought a Musical Fidelity V90 which sounds good but not as good.
If you only listen to vinyl then a DAC doesn't matter, if you listen to CD a good DAC make a really Big difference. The Cayin a-55t is hard to find I got mine for $800 so if you see one grab it is all I can say. I have a Jolida 102B amp that I was using before. The Cayin uses EL34 output tubes and the Jolida EL 84. I think think the EL34 sounds a little closer to the Fisher than the EL 84 sound. It was hard for me to believe that different tubes make a difference but by trial and error I have found this to be true. Good luck with your search - so many options - so little money to chase after them all! Regards
I've since moved on to the Cayin a-55t, still warm but resolves more of the music I think. Still searching for the right speakers - I was using Wharfedale Diamond 220's that I loved but found a brand new pair of Monitor Audio Silver for a third of the list price as the place was going out of business. Still breaking them in as they sound a bit bright to me (still).
I use a Lavry DAC DA-10 DAC in my living room system (Rotel and B&W based) and the Lavry is an incredibel DAC. I didn't want to spend as much for my office system which is where I have the Cayin and bought a Musical Fidelity V90 which sounds good but not as good.
If you only listen to vinyl then a DAC doesn't matter, if you listen to CD a good DAC make a really Big difference. The Cayin a-55t is hard to find I got mine for $800 so if you see one grab it is all I can say. I have a Jolida 102B amp that I was using before. The Cayin uses EL34 output tubes and the Jolida EL 84. I think think the EL34 sounds a little closer to the Fisher than the EL 84 sound. It was hard for me to believe that different tubes make a difference but by trial and error I have found this to be true. Good luck with your search - so many options - so little money to chase after them all! Regards