Classic el34 tube amps versus current models

Desktopguy, 
I can relate to your el 34 in triode mode experience. My el 34 is switchable and I preferred the triode sound with my speakers.  If was this enlightening discovery that led to curiosity regarding true DHT  (directly heated triode) tubes. 

I took the chance and bought a 300b SET amplifier,  immediately after powering them up the first time I realized that there was no going back. The sound quality, pure transparency and natural tone took a giant step upward. Its been more than 7 years of utter satisfaction with the SET in my system. 
Charles 

getting back to the el34 amps, i find it interesting that any of the older  conrad johnson (mv45,50,52 etc) or new (classic 60) did not come up in the conversation.  while it has been a while since i listened to cj, i remember them as very warm midrange. or are the other brands just plain sweeter?

I do remember some of that old CJ stuff. But for me, if I can truly remember that far back, it was just a little too warm. To me they had a pronounced mid-bass hump, and a little thin in the area of true bass. And as I recall they weren't the most transparent either. I notice there's an affordable Australian made Melody EL34 amp being sold by a chap up in Canada. Melody is known for building things the way they used to, like tanks. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-melody-el34-dark-integrated-amplifier-2016-12-05-integrateds-...

You mentioned the Marantz 8B as a benchmark of sorts at about $3k.  Others have suggested SET designs.

Have you considered other vintage amplifiers?    There are several golden era EL34 tubes amps that compare favorably to what is available new (after suitable rebuild...)

Dynaco MK-IV (mono blocks)  

1/2 of a ST70, as monoblock, but with the full power supply of the ST70,  extra PS capacity addresses the main weakness of the ST70 design. Many agree that the amp sounds so much better than a ST70.   And a rebuilt pr can be purchased for less than $1k if you are patient.

Pilot 264  (stereo basic amp)
Fisher X1000 (integrated amp)
Scott 272 and 296 (integrated amps)
Fisher 200 (mono blocks)
Fairchild 260 (mono blocks)
Acrosound Ultralinear II (mono blocks)
Leak 60 (stereo basic amp)
Cary 40m (mono blocks) and SLA70 (circa early 1990's)
Icon Audio Stereo 25  (new production)

While not EL34, many love the McIntosh MC30 monoblocks, and MC240 stereo amp.

I bring all of this up as an alternative.  You will be surprised by the sound of any of the above amps, after a careful restoration. Cost for each should be around your benchmark cost or less (+/-).  You will likely be able to resell for your costs should you dislike the sound, our find something better.

Just some thoughts.