Which Integrated tube amp?

I would second the PrimaLuna recommendation, I have the Dialogue 2 myself, and have compared it with the Rogue's, which I found very bright. The PrimaLuna line will be warmer, with a bigger soundstage and better imaging and resolution of instrumental timbres. This is, as I said, in comparison to the Rogue line, I have not had the chance to listen to Cary, and some of the others mentioned.

I auditioned the cronus and tempest, both sound really good,I'd have to give the tempest the edge in sound.The tempest was making the maggie 1.6's sing! Have you thought about the Manley stingray, especially if you listen to rock music. I have to agree with above poster about picking your speakers first.

Rogue Audio Cronus................For my ears, within my system and musical tastes, and in my room...........It's perfect.

Conrad Johnson CAV50 one the best and classic EL34 based designs, with proprietary CJ caps and built to last.

Oh yeah it sounds magical.

I had a Cronus that I purchased new from a local dealer and the CJ that I purchased second hand on the 'gon is a considerably better sounding amp.

At the $3K price point I'm inclined to suggest what I know best: a Cary SLI-80 with a compliment of NOS tubes.

There are a couple of good threads on AgoN on the subject of tube rolling the Cary. Something they don't mention are the new production Genalex Gold Lion KT-88s. They are highly recommend for the Cary.

A used SLI-80, a full set of good NOS tubes and Genalexs will bring you in just under budget.