Good tube amps to consider wit Spendor S5e

If your S5e's are anything close to my 1/2e's then you're going to need a bit more power based on the size of your listening room and your listening position. I was using a 50 watt tube amp that did a nice job with my speakers, but it wasn't until I went over the 100 watt threshold that I could really appreciate them. I own a Music Reference RM-9 100 watt (tested close to 120 watts on Roger Modjeski's bench when I took it over to have it upgraded to a MkII) amp and TRL D-225 225 watt solid state amp and both work nicely with my speakers. The Music Reference is below your price range used and worth checking out.

Maybe a VTL 150. Check out their website. VTL claims they are a good alternative to SET's. They sell used for about $2,200.

I think you'll be very unhappy trying to use an SET amp with 87 dB efficiency speakers.....if anything I'd be thinking about trying an even more powerful SS amp, not a less powerful tube amp.....or else just stick with the 3Bst.....

I agree with Clio09
ya need the power for these speakers to go
to their best.
I have tried many amps on them and
I was truly amazed what the Rogue 150 Mono blocks
did hooked up with Nordost wire.
Cheers johnnyr