Help with a first tube amp Please

Sebrof
One gentleman bought a used VAC 100/100 and is very happy.
The other bought a used VTL ST-85 and is enjoying that amp very much. By the way I was just reporting on the opinion of two friends and my own which again is just opinion. Many Jolida owners seem very happy with their amps

Rogue Cronus might cost a tad more but sounds very good with Maggies.

Look for deals locally. I would highly recommend the rogue gear. My buddy sells it and talked it up. I bought a stereo 90 amp to try it out and was impressed (Im selling it for fair honesty) but it seems to be well done and for the price. He was also saying he had great results with Vincent which is german designed and chinese built, Go Figure.

I like 15 to 20 year old gear myself but I would recommend a Conrad Johnson MV50 and PV-10 If you wait youll find a PV-10 for $450 and a MV50 for $550. Its 2 boxes but man will it sound sweet

If you want a taste of tubes look for a clean Dynaco Stereo 70 and Pas 3x. That combination out performed an Adcom GFA 555 power amp (200 watts) and Adcom GFP 565 preamp. The Dynaco combo had a bigger soundstage, better dynamics and a much more refined and musical sound. A Stereo 70 (not modified) and Pas 3x in proper working order and clean cosmetics will cost less than your $1000 budget and they are not going down in value, unlike the "Made in China" amplifiers previously mentioned.