integrated tube reccommendations

Audiomat Arpege. No remote, though.

Space-tech. Great equipment see the site at www.spacetech.com. I just purchased three components (not integrated though) and for the price they're tops sonically!! Albert (the owner and builder of the equipment) gives solid customer support.

I have no experience with tubes but have been contemplating like you. Seems like the following are well regarded in your range based on what I have read:

Audiomat Arpege (new/used)
VTL IT-85 (used)
Unison Unico (hybrid)(new)
Manley Stingray (new/used)
Conrad Johnson CAV-50 (new/used)

Cary and Jolida too!

Rogue Tempest, Rogue Tempest, Rogue Tempest.
Auto bias. Remote. Can use 6550, kt88, and el34 (these run hot)

Triode-Ultralinnear switchable
Factory Upgradeable to "Magnum" model.
I've enjoyed mine for almost 2 years, and I'm always upgrading, so 2 years is a long time in my house.
I love it.

you can definately get a Used Magnum under $2k, and have some $ left over for tubes.

Give Mark a call at Rogue, ask him why you should buy.
THose guys take care of their customers.

just curious Jcbach, but your link sent me to 'Applied Thermodynamics' site. I hated Carnot in college!
To all others, thanks for the suggestions. I was considering models from Rogue,Cary,Manley and now Unison, Audiomat and VTL! Anyone direct have experience with the Cary SEI and STL? The Manley? The Rogue?
Can anyone educate me on the differences between SET, triode and ultralinear? I know I should be doing the research myself, but for now I'm trying to sneek in some of this stuff before my boss catches me!