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
@lowrider57  Thank you. I did see those and realized they have no remote volume control. I will change volume on different tracks quite often. I am to lazy after work to get off my arse to do it! All said I am happy to spend a little more to support the man. As well as the comfort of some warranty coverage and return period if I don't like it. I feel those extras are worth his asking price for the current model which includes remote!
Keep saving. Get 4-5K rolled in a sock. Then make a purchase. This is what I did. I saved for 4 or so years, squirreled away every dollar, coin I,could. 
 When it was time to buy, it was awesome!

  Patience will be worth it!!
@johnfritter, sounds like a plan. That's a very nice preamp from what I've read.