Second vote for the SP-3. It was my first foray into tubes and is a excellent performer. It listed for about $1200.00 and can be had used for under $500.00. The stock tubes aren't bad, but it can be improved with NOS tubes.
It has some drawbacks. No remote and only two inputs. If you can live with that, you won't be disappointed.
It has some drawbacks. No remote and only two inputs. If you can live with that, you won't be disappointed.