I need tube sound without the tubes

I second the opinions on the Jolida and Musical Fidelity. Just make sure you get the previous generation MF, as they are moving away from the tube sound. In my opinion, there is no substitute for tubes. A solid state amp is often marketed as the designer's most "tubelike" yet. That is, until the next model. Tube amps never face this. It seems that tube people often can sniff out a SS product pretending to sound like tubes. I find their best efforts show the mosfet "haze" common to products trying to sound warm, or the dry mids for the bipolar designs. That doesn't mean I think there aren't good SS products out there. A used Jolida can fit into your budget. I think they sound very good, especially when you replace the cheap Chinese tubes(many used ones have already had this done). The sound is not far from many of the more expensive brands(they sound like tubes!). You get a detachable power cord, an upgrade right there if you ever have the money down the road. I have never heard of reliability problems with Jolida, and I have steered MANY musician friends to them. And these people really beat the hell out of these amps. But, one thing they always say, they'll never buy another solid state amp.

Have you tried B&K, used ST140s go for $2-300 used. The later models are 105 watts per channel. They also run relatively cool. I purchased mine new 8 years ago and have only had to replace it fuses once due to my monkeying around without thinking. They are not very detailed amps, but are extremely smooth.

try a used electtrocompaniet amp - a bit higher than your budget, but not your typical harsh solid-state sound.

I'd agree on the Audio Refinement Complete. Very lush tubelike sound. Stereophile rated Class B $$$. I sell them new for $895, but honestly, if you can pick up one like the fellow listed above in fine condition, save yourself about $250 on a good used one. The power is rated at 50 watts per channel, but it smoked another SS I have rated at 75 watts per. The rep swears to me it fully doubles power into 4 ohm loads, and appears to have a very capable power supply.

I also think the Audio Refinement is amazingly like tubes. It means it is possible to get close to tubes with solid state so why aren't their any seperates (preamp/power amp) out their that really sound like tubes?