Dave, I went thru this process about a year ago when I had to drastically downsize, selling off some very nice Wolcott tube amps and left with a budget of $1500. Like you, I posted here ,got several good sugestions, spent the better part of 2 days reading online reviews. Ended up trying the Van Alstine 550ex hybrid.(Almost went w/ the CI D100 as I've had great use from Dusty's voice control unit, but feared the flat soundstage) The best $1200 I ever spent on the Van Alstine. I'm still impressed that such a neutral realistic sound could be had for a grand.
As you wrote- "am going for a non-fatiguing sound, although nothing fat and slow either, just a touch of good warmth and the ability to portray the depth of stage on a decent recording" Thats what I have along with a fair amount of audiophile qualities with the hybrid.
I saw a solid state on thier website for a grand that might mate well w/ your tube pre. Good luck & good listening.
As you wrote- "am going for a non-fatiguing sound, although nothing fat and slow either, just a touch of good warmth and the ability to portray the depth of stage on a decent recording" Thats what I have along with a fair amount of audiophile qualities with the hybrid.
I saw a solid state on thier website for a grand that might mate well w/ your tube pre. Good luck & good listening.