Tube for a Noob ???

Agree that you are considering some questionable routes. Getting into vinyl means getting into record cleaning and other expenses that shouldn't be ignored. Cheaper tube phono stages are susceptible to RFI/EMI interference.
Given what's happening in computer audio, investing now in better CD playback rarely makes a wise investment, tube or not. You money would be better spent on a streaming/server type solution.
If you want tube sound, agree that a line stage makes most sense given your home theater needs in your amp. Cheers,
Spencer 

You could try a PrimaLuna cd player.  These are full blown tube players, even using a tube for clocking.  Call Upscale Audio and have an idea about what you want the player to sound like in your system and Kevin Deal can probably tell you if  one of these players is what you are looking for.

Modern tubes and modern solid state seem to be merging in timber.  ...there are more similarities than differences.

I agree with the others that if you are not committed to vinyl, I would stick with either CD's or digital downloads and get some tubes in there somewhere.  To make vinyl really effective you need a decent turntable/arm/cartridge combination, vibration control, LP cleaning rig and know how to set it all up.  

Tubes work best with voltage gain, i.e. in preamps and input stages of power amps but probably the biggest tube effect is on the output stages of power amps, also the most problematic.  There are also tube buffer units you can buy for a few hundred bucks that will add some of the traditional tube sound.  IMO, the best way to go would be either a tubed line stage or tubed integrated amp.  I have never heard a CD player with tubed output stage so I can't comment on that but they probably don't use much gain so the tube effect would likely be minimal.  I agree that Kevin Deal would be a good resource and he is a really honest guy, known and dealt (pun intended) with him for many years.

I would think it impossible to match CD/Music server quality for less that 5-6 K. IMO and coming from a person who is all tube/vinyl for the most part, that CD player I have comes close. It's only drawback is the vinyl solves the listener fatigue equation. Very little sameness throughout the night. Sometimes I go for 4-5 hours and can't do that with CDs. 
Another thing, building a collection of vinyl is an expense, although for me it has been fun. But then I have been building mine for 35 years. 
Also, be careful. You could get the bug and have another expensive obsession calling you in. 
Those late night sessions are magical though.