Looking to get into tubes?

I recently made the switch to tubes as well. It is a little bit more than you want to spend but if you can swing it - I have the Ming Da MC34AB. Lots of power, very VERY quiet. I'm driving a pair of Fritz's full-range single driver speakers, the ones with the Merrill driver. It is really a great combination!

Good luck!

The Primaluna Prologue 2 is a nice place to start . It is self/auto biasing and can use a myriad of tubes so that you can experiment to see what you like best . It is well made , quiet and easy to sell when it's time to move on . In stock form it will sound like a nice SS amp . You can warm it up , to varying amounts , with combinations of input and output tubes . The importer , Upscale Audio , is quite knowledgable in this respect . Call them , tell them what changes that you want to make to the sound and they will give a recommendation for a tube change . They also will sell you the tubes .

It doesn't get much easier than this !

While it may not be the end-all/be-all amp for you , it will allow you to learn what type of tube sound that you prefer .

Good luck .

Well to answer JayBo I am currently using vintage electronics. I have a Dynaco Stereo 416 modified by Van Alstine and matching pre as well as a vintage stock Yamaha CA1010 integrated and a heavily modified and upgraded Kenwood 9100 integrated. I know tubes have their downside.... power consumption, HEAT,finicky tubes,HUM etc. but thought I might take a chance if the right amp presented itself on the used market. So, I hope you guys can give lots more suggestions, direction and advice. I see some guys out there are imploring me to stick with solid state. We will see?

Spindrifter You have been at this since the early 60's.
If your ears survived Solid State from then till now I would hesitate to change.While I love tubes it's going to be difficult to do it on your given budget.SS has taken GIANT leaps forward over the years and although I cant make any recommendations for your new Amp I do tend to agree with some of the other posters to stay with Solid State.
Best of luck

Look for a resale unit in the Cayin or VAS line. Great sound, initial value and resale value, not to mention great service if you need it.