Hello~!
 
I've been lurking here for awhile but only recently created an account to ask for assistance in a few purchasing decisions.  Today I'm looking for a tube amp.  I tried looking through the wiki and recommended posts but didn't see what I was looking for--please correct me if I missed it.
 
 
What I want: A retro/interesting looking tube amp that can sit on my desktop.  Bonus points if it glows and makes people wonder if they are going to grow a sixth finger when they walk by. I would like it to function in a decent manner but honestly style is more important for this purchase.  I already have a dac/amp combo I am happy with from a performance perspective.  
 
Budget: $200 or so.  Feel free to suggest multiple cheap ones if you want, I wouldn't mind having a small collection of them eventually.
 
Headphones:
NVX XPT100 or my Xiaomi Pistons 2.  Nothing special here.  I don't want to take expensive equipment to work.  That guy in the corner cubicle....he has shifty eyes.
 
If you don't think this belongs on this forum (since my question is more about looks than actual audio performance) feel free to direct me somewhere else.  No hard feelings.
 
Thanks!
 
-Derek aka 'vethrath'

They'd be able to answer your question on this thread.  You'd probably enjoy going through all the pictures too although most of it is crazy and beyond your budget.

The only ones I can think of in your budget are Little Dot amps, and the 1+ is the one best suited for you. 

Build your own and you can create whatever style you wish...

http://www.diytube.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=34391


http://bottlehead.com/?product=crack-otl-headphone-amplifier-kit

vethrath said:

  I've been lurking here for awhile but only recently created an account to ask for assistance in a few purchasing decisions.  Today I'm looking for a tube amp.  I tried looking through the wiki and recommended posts but didn't see what I was looking for--please correct me if I missed it.
What I want: A retro/interesting looking tube amp that can sit on my desktop.  Bonus points if it glows and makes people wonder if they are going to grow a sixth finger when they walk by. I would like it to function in a decent manner but honestly style is more important for this purchase.  I already have a dac/amp combo I am happy with from a performance perspective.  
Budget: $200 or so.  Feel free to suggest multiple cheap ones if you want, I wouldn't mind having a small collection of them eventually.
Headphones:
NVX XPT100 or my Xiaomi Pistons 2.  Nothing special here.  I don't want to take expensive equipment to work.  That guy in the corner cubicle....he has shifty eyes.
If you don't think this belongs on this forum (since my question is more about looks than actual audio performance) feel free to direct me somewhere else.  No hard feelings.

Click to expand...

 
I've always liked the look of the Bravo Ocean tube amplifier.

With only a $200 budget, you should be going for the best performing tube amp with whatever can or cans you intend to drive with it.
 
If your just looking for accent piece, you may be on the wrong forum.

Thanks for the replies.  I think I might actually go with the DIY solution and build something completely custom.  A family member owns an arts and crafts store and has a pretty amazing workshop that I think I could borrow. Maybe if I'm lucky I can bumble about the workshop until he kicks me out and makes it himself