Let's talk tube amps - no ss discussion


In the $2500-3500 range, what are the tube amps that you have heard and liked and why? Which ones sound best with a passive pre and active preamp? Yes, very subjective conversation, but still open-ended.
cellorover
Marakanetz-- let's put budget aside for the time being and talk more about the Manelys. The new Mahi Mahi sound great! But, I do need a little more power. Have you heard their 50 watt monoblocks or the 100 watt integrated?
I heard both 50W and 100W integrated amps and they're with no doubdt excellent sounding amps. Havn't heard 50W monos though but I guess they're clones of integrated EveAnna's with 4 EL84 power tubes per side.
VTL and Manleys are built on the same electronic design(meaning internal i guess).
While I had a great chance to look-up and study the VTL design I can only guess that Manleys benefit from higher quality parts, chasis AND mainly from built quality(i.e. circuit protection that is basically routine for any of the tube amplifiers or pre-s but not implemented though in most of VTL models) V.S. VTLs and the price therefore higher.

IMHO VTL signature line starting from MB185 to MB225 can compete with less-powerful Manleys depending again on speaker and room you're dealing with.
Many thanks for all your input. I will start a new thread looking at Manley, Consonance and your choices.