Ming Da MC-3008-A2 Mono Blocks

88man, I have looked at the internal pictures of the 3008 and it looks very well made. The specs are very good too.
Most inexpensive tube amps are weak in the bass, this one goes down to 18 Hz +/- 1 db, very impressive, a sure sign of large output transformers.
The signal to noise ratio is excellent, largely due to DC heater supplies (we can see the diode bridges in the underbelly picture).
All, in all, it looks like a good deal. Anyway, because you listen to classical music, I would upgrade the speakers to more tube-friendly ones.

However, if you live in the USA, I suggest that you buy american, you will get superior quality and peace-of-mind regarding maintenance.

The Art Audio Carissa 845 and DeHavilland 845 SET amps are extremely well reviewed and I have read many positive comments about them. A friend of mine has Art Audio 845 amps and is very happy with the sound quality.
Both manufacturers have a good reputation in terms of customer support.
I believe you can buy them used within your budget. Tube amps have no parts that wear out besides the tubes, so buying used is relatively safe.

You may also want to look for Hyperion HT-845 amps, the ones I own, though I have never spotted a used pair for sale.

Beware of cheap chinese 845 amps offered on eBay. Quality is very questionable and shipping charges are outrageous. Ask for an underbelly picture, some amps (e.g. Music Angel AKA MA) look like they were wired by a drunken trailer park electrician.
Good luck

I have not heard the latest version but have a lot of experience with Ming-Da products and have heard several of these amps.
The 300B driving the 805 is a special sound. It provides you with plenty of body and warmth as well as the dynamic control an 805 is known for.
The 805 has a very full sound to it in this application.
Obviously there is no real way to know for sure without experiencing it for yourself.

Thank you Casouza and Response34! The sonic signature of a 300B and 805 combination is captivating. Pacific Valve appears to be the exclusive U.S. distributor for the MC-3008-A2 amp. I found out that Ming Da builds the A2 version to Pacific Valve's specifications with modified components. I also like the fact that I can use it as an amp or integrated amp. Not bad for $2,800 and 30 day guarantee.

Casouza, Wow! I didn't notice the DC rectifier on the underbelly photo. I'll change the stock front end tubes with what I have: NOS Telefunken 12AX7 Smooth Plates, and Telefunken 12AU7 tubes. Changing the 300B or 805 may/not be necessary. After the warranty is over, I may replace the bypass caps with Black Gates or Elna-Cerafine units, and coupling caps to Auricaps or Mundorf Silver/Oil...

Thanks again, guys!

I own the 3008a monoblocks and all I can say is WOW. With the right tubes these amplifiers will seduce you in every frequency. I am driving some old VMPS Tower IISE to loud levels. They are a 4 ohm load and 90db at 1 watt which is efficient. The bass is just down right deep and tight even with the stock tubes. My tube selection is as follows:
Svetlena 300B
RCA 805
12au7 Amperex (Holland)
5751 GE 3MBP silver clips

I tried Teles in the au and ax position and was unimpressed.

I bought these 2.5 years ago from Pacific Valve and have had great customer service. Absolutely no problems with these amps. I also own the Doge 6 and the Ming Da MC2A3. These 4 units together are just magical.

just a couple of things: Casouza is mostly correct but: the tube is an RF tube so it must be run in class A2(grid positive) to get the power. and as an SET amp it can never run in class AB2. My experience with 845 and 211 amps is they seem to play louder and push speakers conventional wisdom says they shouldn't be able to do to high spl levels while maintaining smooth sound. I would suspect this amp will do the same.