The 1501, being an integrated hybrid actually is a SS amp w/ a tube preamp stage. Like you the 1501 was my 1st foray into any kind of tube based gear. What you describe is pretty much what I remember. That was about 7-8 years ago and it is giving you only a slight taste of what tubes can do. It is a pretty good starter amp and I used mine for about a year, but found out there are other options that truely reveal the "magic of tubes". If you roll in some NOS (Telefunken) you will get a more natural sound, but for similar money there are other options in the intgrated tube amp area that will give a better idea of what a tube based sound is.(Remeber the 1501 is a SSamp) I liked it because it had a good solid base drive and a more natural midrange.
The Jolida must put out 100w/ch and the Totem's are 89db effient(?), so an amp with 25-30w/ch should be more than enough to drive the Totem. Don't get me wrong I liked the Jolida & enjoyed it, just that I found others that suited my tastes. I eventually decided that a tube amp is the only way for me. But you should try some better tubes.
Not the clearest answer, hope it helps.
The Jolida must put out 100w/ch and the Totem's are 89db effient(?), so an amp with 25-30w/ch should be more than enough to drive the Totem. Don't get me wrong I liked the Jolida & enjoyed it, just that I found others that suited my tastes. I eventually decided that a tube amp is the only way for me. But you should try some better tubes.
Not the clearest answer, hope it helps.