pls recommend some "entry level" tube amp options?


hi again friends, as noted in my other threads i am obviously very new to the audio scene, and am realizing that i am in over my head, and have a lot of reading and research ahead before even owning some tube amplifiers.

was just hoping someone could perhaps give me some good suggestions, brand/manufacturer-wise, that are appropriate for someone looking to get into tube amplification systems? i'm budgeting myself at nowhere more than $1500 USD for these first amps, keeping in mind that i might move up to higher-priced options in the near future after 'wetting my appetite' w/ these initial units... was hoping to go w/ a pair of monoblocks so would be especially in any more suggestions along those lines for potential first-buyer models, but any input for models or brands that would be good for me would be greatly appreciated, i am eager to get an order in as my new speakers are arriving next week.

just for reference for any who might be kind enough to suggest some actual models that might , the loudspeakers in question are detailed below, and the application of these speakers and amps will be in my home office... the room in question is 13ft by 18ft (measured tonight!), and the speakers will be arranged on the longest wall, w/ my computer desk centered. speakers will be placed 1.5m-2m from listening position (my chair).

while i do listen to all kinds of music (from classical to rap, and everything in between) i will not be expecting any very high volumes from whatever amplifiers i go w/ initially, so if you could please keep in mind when suggesting amplifiers... i'd rather have quieter and better quality sound than lower quality but high volume! i will not need a preamplifier w/ this setup, i will be using balanced analog output from a computer system (Octane2), i've been trying to avoid 'integrated' options as i look at amplifiers.

here are my loudspeaker specifications..:

RBH Sound 61-SE bookshelf loudspeakers (http://www.rbhsound.com/61se.shtml)

Frequency Response: 45Hz-20kHz (+3dB)
Sensitivity: 87dB (2.83V @ 1 Meter)
Power Handling: 150 Watts
Drive Units: (1) 6 1/2" Aluminum Woofer, (1) 1" Silk Dome Tweeter
Tweeter Protection: Yes
Crossover Frequency: 2700Hz
Crossover: 12dB/Octave
Impedance: 8 Ohms

thx in advance for any recommendations for a "first-time buyer" like myself, i know i'll be breaking down in holding off purchasing something at random as it gets closer to my loudpseaker delivery late next week... i cant wait to be enjoying tube audio soon, i only got a taste of the wonderful sound recently for the first time and cant wait to enjoy it here at home where i spend a good 10 hours a day in.

thanks again for the friendly advice and feedback i have had here in these fora from everyone, much appreciated and nice to find on the internet these days in faceless forum. cheeers all..!
daisho
Please see the review of the Prima Luna Prologue 2 that I submitted here about a month or so ago. It is an integrated tube amp and its performance is equal to, if not better than other more expensive power amps that I own. At $1345, it has me considering buying another for use in my main system.

Regards, Rich
Rogue 120 monoblocks are real nice and about $1500 used. They have 120 watts...
Prima Luna, Jolida, Quicksilver, Rogue, Conrad Johnson, VTL, Manley, Cayin, ASL, AES (and Cary), Connsonance, DIY HiFi Supply, Dynaco (and other vintage toob amps) are all brands that you should consider.
Another vote for the Primaluna. With your speakers,I might also suggest that you consider saving $250 and getting the Prologue 1 which uses EL34 tubes (which cost about 50% less than KT88's or 6550's). I have this amp - it sounds great. Its full voiced, that is its bass is surprisingly full (not as tight as SS though), warm mid-range and natural tone but not over-extended in the highs. Best of all, for someone new to tubes its idiot proof. No biasing to fiddle with, fused bias resistors eliminate problems if a tube shorts out (no trip to the repair shop) and if you want to change the tone of the original tubes, which are fairly decent by the way, rolling tubes using new production stuff (as opposed to NOS) can work quite well. I've also had mine apart for a view. This is one well built unit!
I really like the ASL line from Divergent Technologies - check out their website at 'www.divertech.com' - I had the inexpensive 1001 DT integrated at home - sweet value. You might want to consider their various monoblocks too.