Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.

I recently bought a Cronus Magnum that was within your budget. Sounds wonderful and drives Maggies with ease. The only downside is that it's a space heater.

Hey,
I haven’t read through the entire thread but if it hasn’t already been said you really need to listen to a tube  based system before you make any choices. With respect to others I think that you can find good tube equipment in your price range. I especially like the idea of building your own equipment. Sadly the audiophile hobby is IMHO overloaded with hyperbole. I’m not trying to rake the forum or to suggest tubes are better than solid state. I’m saying system synergy is key to musical bliss. Finding a system that creates that for you is challenging and that is where a lot of money is spent usually with good intentions but the end result is are you satisfied with what you are hearing? Chasing that down by reading reviews is impossible. Before you spend any money find a way to listen to several types of gear. That’s a difficult task to be sure but is the only way to make a choice that not only fits your budget but achieves the sound you crave. Keep in mind too when and where you listen really affects what you hear. Bottom line, listen to a tube based preamp and monoblocks with perhaps an analogue or digital front end an entire system. Something that gets your attention, something that is clearly better to you. Something that turns your head and sits you down, where you forget about the gear and just enjoy the music in a way that brings all details to life. It can be a very enjoyable endeavor and quite costly. But I believe it can also be done on a budget if your goals are reasonable. Go out and find some gear to listen to, ask a bunch of questions no matter how smart or embarrassing they may seem, then decide. Best of luck

I use a Herron Audio tube preamp going into my MSB S-200 SS power amp, and it has a tube sound that I totally love. 

For $1600 you could get a brand new Cayin A-50T MKII Integrated Tube Amplifier. Highly regarded. Very well made. I believe there is a Stereophile review that had it paired with full range monitor audio speakers.

Used Rogue Cronus integrated amp. Or Cronus Magnum. Buy something you can resell at minimal or no loss. If you like the Cronus you can sell your peachtree and get a used DAC to connect your node 2i and cd player and take the performance up another notch. If you don like the cronus, sell it and try something else. Buying brand new will cost you more and get you less and the resell will put you at a loss.