Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.


Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store. 
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.  
johnfritter
There is an Aric Audio Unlimited II preamp for sale on this site. I have the original Unlimited that I run with a couple different First Watt amps,(F5,J2) and occasionally a pair of Monarchy Audio amps with,what I feel ,are really great results. Just a recommendation since you're looking at tube preamps as a possibility. 
There is an Aric Audio Unlimited II preamp for sale on this site. 


The Aric Audio stuff gets great user reviews, all hand built. I find that the smaller audio companies like Aric Audio, space tech labs and Don Sachs give you great sound for a lot less money.
Aric audio, used for $900? This is a steal. I'd be on this like stink on a monkey.