Integrated amp for Vivid 1.5

I started with the KT 150s so I can't compare to the EL34s but they are cooler than the KT88s in my Cary. You might want to give Kevin a ring if you think they may be running hot as they are expensive to replace.

Craig,
I also have the Primaluna and about 4 months ago retubed with the kt150s.  The sound is incredible.
Your description of them running "cool," prompts me to ask; how cool?
On my rig, the 150s are noticeably hotter than the EL34s they replaced.
Thanks in advance,
Bob

Craig,
Thank you for the detailed answer. 
I will PM you with some more questions.

Boaz. 

I am a good person to answer your questions.
I have the Vivid 1.5s. 
I had a Cary SLI-80. 
After getting the Vivids, I replaced the Cary with the Primaluna Dialogue HP. I am very happy with it. I went all in with it and had the tubes replaced with KT 150s. It was cheaper to do it in the beginning rather than starting with the original tubes and replacing them down the road.
I am very happy with this combination and have no intention of changing (famous last words).
The Primaluna is more expensive than your budget (as it was mine) but I got a reasonable trade in, and I think of it as a long term investment. With the 8 KT 150s retubing would be expensive, but since they are run cool, I expect them to last a while.
When I was looking, one thing that stood out was the small number of used Primalunas that come up on the used market. Considering that Upscale sells a lot of them, that tells me that people hang on to them.
Give Kevin a ring and see what you can do.
Good luck, enjoy, and feel free to PM me.

Craig