How to pick a tubed integrated without hearing one

Just read the brochures; that is the method most use anyway. I cannot tell you how many times as a dealer I have lost sales to things the buyer never heard. It is sort of "Prophet in his own Country" effect. I once when I was in Knoxville had a prospective buyer drive up to Louisville to demo a competing produce; the dealer refused to play it for him but he bought it anyway.
Enough venting! Just do what most of us outside major cities do; a hell of a lot of research. There is as much info on the net as you will ever need; it just requires sifting. Look at forums for discussion of the gear you are considering; give first consideration to brands with a proven track record, not necessarily big advertisers. Quicksilver has been around a long time and makes good products but I seldom see any ads for them. Used Conrad Johnson is very good; at your price level I would buy used, much more for the money. A rebuilt Dyna Stereo 70 would be a good choice. You don't say whether you are looking for a integrated or power amp; I would get the latter, especially if you are not using vinyl. there is a good chance a passive pre would be all you need.

You have pretty much narrowed it down with your budget.

I was thinking integrated would be the best bang for buck ? Van alstine is close by and i can hear a piece in his system.And i did just recently see he won an award for his tubed integrated. How much does the actual tubes affect the sound vs the design and products used to build one? Is there a real dramatic sound change from different tubes?

I was in the same boat as you years ago, no real good shops around, so I pretty much did what stanwal said, research, read, research. Then buy something used here. It usually maintains its value. Put together a system, then start tweaking. Say you want warmer sound, identify your weak companant, sell it right here. Say you lose $50, I think of it like an audition fee, no big deal. Buy the next component and keep going. I have built a really excellent mid-fi system over the years. And don't forget, keep buying the music!!

ok . You hit on my main thought .Should i only go with a name brand for resale purposes . Like rogue,manley,jolida,mcintosh,vincent, those are just a few i can think of without looking at the classifieds.or is there other brands well known for those in the "know" about tubed gear ? To hit on the suggestion of a passive : The only passive i am familiar with is the George lightspeed which is $500 new . That would only leave me with $500 for a amp only ? is that a good combo ?