Need help picking my first tube amp

@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.

 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.

Liking the sound of this, where do i find these two amps ?

Unless you get some screaming deal, the $650 USD is probably better off being saved up in the bank.

Just get a good Class-D and call it a day (IMO).