Need help picking my first tube amp

I would concentrate on a preamp. It is the thing that sets the tune for the whole system. If you want to go Chinese… ok. But do not read their literature find American or European reviews… this is an inexpensive price range… meaning you need to do a lot of research. One of the problems would be if it is damaged… or needs repair. Some are really reliable… some not. There are a lot of sdvantages to buying with something that has already been imported.

If you could get a used Cary that would be spectacular. But given your price I have to recommend a Schiit Freya + maybe you can get a used one… they are now $949… it is both SS and tube (switchable). Schiit stuff performs at levels a couple times their cost. Made in USA… has a headphone jack. Lots of reviews available honestly this really fits your bill really well. I got one for playing around with.

Try it, only shipping to lose.

Actually Apos gives you 45 days return privileges.

Thanks guys, i know my price range is low but its all i got.  Alot to think about, but im for sure going pre amp.

Im maybe thinking of Yamaha WXA -50 for the amp, have heard that things rocks and fits perfect on a desk.  I may consider the Emotive Basx A-100 or whatever the new version is called.  The hardest part is finding the tube pre amp.  I like the idea of being able to return it if it dont sound good, Apos maybe a good idea

You guys gave me some good information, china stuff hard to return and fix so have to be careful.  Keep the ideas coming.  I have had Schit stuff and its top notch really not a fan of there plain box look but its top notch.

@audiomike33 I would look for a VTL TL 2.5 or Cary slp 03. I cuuerntly use Cary slp 03 and owned VTL tl 2.5 before. Both are excellent preamps with 12AU7 and 12 AT7 tubes. VTL does not have balanced input or outputs, but still a very good tube amp for the money. Either one can be purchased under $1000. Cary has line-level inputs and VTL 2.5 have an optional phono stage. Highly recommended.

I highly recommend the Schiit Freya. I have the original (which should sell in your price range used) and the ability to switch from passive to SS to tube really proves the value of 6SN7 tubes in the system. There is NO headphone jack however. I have several cheapo chinese hybrid amps (not really very good sound, one I use while on my noisy treadmill). The APPJ EL34 tube amp ($300-400) (not a hybrid) is great driving my open baffle 98db Lil audio speakers plus a small powered sub (in my kitchen system). The power switch while lovely, failed after about 100 uses. So I unplug the amp when not in use.