[ShizzyGuo]

I've read a lot about the Bottlehead crack but that's too expensive for me. What's a good entry tube amp that will have the "tube sound"

 

[The Medusan]

If you have some experience with soldering and DIY projects, I've heard good things about the performance of some of Pete Millet's amp designs (thus the name Millet amp + variations). Specifically the "starving student" (http://www.pmillett.com/starving.htm), and a variation on Millet MAX hybrid that is nicknamed "Toobalo" (http://www.beezar.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=28 + http://www.diyforums.org/MOSFET-MAX/MOSFET-MAXoverview.php). Gets it name from borrowing some design elements for output from the "Dynalo" (http://www.pavouk.org/hw/dynalo/en_index.html) amps, but those are all solid state.
I intend to get around to trying one myself. It seems like a cool project if you are feeling adventurous.
Depending on sourcing and selection of components you can expect total cost to be something like $120-$250 for starving student, $170- $300 on toobalo (guestimating upper bound). Cheaper if you put it in a shoebox. . . . nice enclosures can be expensive

 

[PurpleAngel]

Darkvoice 336SE OTL tube headphone amplifer.
Sold on Massdrop or eBay or Amazon.

 

[serman005]

Schiit Valhalla 2. Direct from mfr.

 

[ahmadfaizadnan]

Schiit Valhalla 2. Direct from mfr.

A good combo indeed.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

I've read a lot about the Bottlehead crack but that's too expensive for me. What's a good entry tube amp that will have the "tube sound"

The Little Dot Mk2 has gobs of that tube sound that, on anything with more wear than brand new earpads, the HD600 will progressively have Norah Jones sound like she has a progressive case of the worst cold and sinusitis ever. At some point, I just wanted to grab her and pour 50% chicken soup, 50% hot oil into her nasal cavities, but then realized I don't need to commit assault, just sell the damned amp.

Probably exactly what you're looking for though..