Just noticed that this thread has re-surfaced with lots of techno speak which, unfortunately, goes way over my head!!

Anyway, thought I'd update my original post from 2010.

I decided to go for a low cost introduction to valves and bought an ST25 valve integrated from Icon Audio coupled with a pair of their MFV6 standmount speakers (MFV = made-for-valves) having spent a fab day in David Shaw's wonderful demo room. During the intervening period I've got through a number of front ends both analogue and digital. I've also replaced the MFV6's with a lovely pair of Celestion DL10 Series 2 speakers aquired from BlackAdder, tried some Castle Chester floorstanders but returned to the DL10's.

I love where I'm at right now. I can't describe sound quality in audiophilic terms, suffice to say this combo is open and airy, sweet and relaxing, there's a supernatural quality which is difficult to define. I have room issues which spoil the bass frequencies but I'm trying to resolve these.

Whenever I'm tempted to do a little box-swapping I simply play music and chill!

A huge thanks to everyone who helped me on my way.