I dunno, in many ways I think Cary is the right choice for tube consumer types rather than us afficionados.
That said...
I would suggest an Airtight, which will be other varieties of tube SET; namely KT88 and EL34. Unfortunately it's definitely more than your Cary. I think the Airtight integrateds can go for eight grand, and no one ever seems to sell them (hmmm...). Airtight I have never heard "rocking" but I suspect they are capable of it.
Or maybe also as Moebius says, a 45 tube amp, like a Yammamoto. I have heard with the right speakers you don't absolutely have to go horns at 2 watts - I read a review in which a pair of Harbeths were used to good effect with the Yamamoto, and I suspect they would also work fine with Joseph Audio's RM7. Or your Zu's. You can find more info on them at 6 Moons, or look the Yam up on the internet (or on 'gon). They're imported to the States by a guy that owns a record store in Michigan. That's why I say things like, not good for the average consumer...
EAR also makes a 12AX7 integrated - actually uses the tubes as power tubes in parrallel, and with the "English Sound" and Groove Tubes reissuing Mullard reproduction 12AX7/ECC variant/6922's, how can you go wrong?
What about something like a used Graaf or going separates with an OTL if you are interested in seeing a different type of "date" entirely? OTL's are wildcats with the right speakers. And the Zu's are them.
These are all "used" suggestions as they are slightly above the stated price range. If you really want to date a number of girls, what about George Wright's pretty great equipment at a reasonable price? He does 2A3's and a number of others, and you could have them new, and sell when you want to move on to the next victim.
