For those in your situation, but perhaps on a smaller budget, like myself. May want to condsider using an integrated 55 watt amp, with KT-88 tubes. The SQ-88 from Quest for Sound. From a dealer on this site. A great musical combination. With your budget in mind there would be some other amps I would like to try just for kicks. I would be more inclined to try any SS amp with a class A output. I've not had a chance to listen to a SS amp yet with my jrs due to lack of having a preamp. But at this point am content with tubes.