@detroitwing Prior to purchasing a new Phon', I would suggest the R8 is investigated a little further, as there is a lot to be offered, if the 6SN7 Tube is exchanged for the Psvane CV181T-MkII Tube.
A Phon' will still be available with the remaining funds, I would look at the Mr Nixie Digna, it is designed / produced by a very competent EE, with a time served history in designing Audio/Recording equipment.
For myself to find a Phon' that was to compete with the Digna, it took a few long round trip travels to Bake Off Events. Where it was competing with Phon's up to the £10K purchase Value.
It took Phon's with a £4K+ Value at Bake Off's before it was noticeable something as attractive or more attractive was in use, usually the Phon's exceeding this value were the ones that showed there were differences worthy of consideration.
It took a Bespoke Built Phon' produced to my own custom finish to have the Digna used as very enjoyable and regularly put to use second Phon'.
The Designer Producer of the Bespoke Phon' I own, was talking of £10K for that Phon' if it was to be marketed, which it nearly was, but along came COVID and a Investor pulled out.
Throwing figures around is not ideal to give a assessment of a device, but it does help show where there is real value for money, and when a device punches well above it weight.
When in use, I have the Digna and the Bespoke Phon' almost used in parity, the Digna excels with a SUT and Head Amp along with its multi adjustable MC Stage, so a lot of very enjoyable experiences can be attained from one unit for a extremely fair price.