what gear to get started

[blackraven]

Take a look at this Tube Audio Design TAD-60

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc....ube&1259461425

www.spearitsound.com has a demo on sale for around $600 and it lists for $1300.

Another option which would be cheaper would be to use a tube buffer like this

http://www.grantfidelity.com/site/B-...ocessor+Buffer

http://www.pacificvalve.us/YaqinTB.html

If you are wanting to get away from the digital sound with out tubes you can do that by carefully picking your equipment. Certain brands are known for a warmer sound. Marantz CD players and amps, B&K amplifiers (you can pick up a new reference series 125.2 amp for about $600 and much less used on audiogon) Van Alstine (check his refurbished gear http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/used/used.htm this company strives to obtain a more tube like sound with its solid state equipment), NHT Speakers-nice warm sounding speaker, NAD equipment.