A hybrid amp could be a good compromise between tube and solid state. last I looked there was a used Butler for sale here. 250 watts hybrid for about $1500. With the money left over you could then mate it to a nice preamp.
TAD has also come out with the Hibachi monoblocks. They were selling for under $1000 and there is one on auction now starting at $999. These are solid state and around 200 watts if I recall. Again, lots of money left over for a nice preamp.
TAD has also come out with the Hibachi monoblocks. They were selling for under $1000 and there is one on auction now starting at $999. These are solid state and around 200 watts if I recall. Again, lots of money left over for a nice preamp.