You might just vsqueeze into your price range, second hand, anything by Ayon. There seems to be a house sound, paying more gets more refinement and power. I bought an Ayon Spark recently and it's one of the best integrated amps I have owned, better even than the more expensive Viva Solista.
help with a tubed integrated or pre / amp combo
So ... I used to have a audible illusions 3a and a Conrad Johnson 11a combo which was a very good match for my energy veritas 2.3s. I downgraded to a cayin a 50t which is nice but a bit under powered for my speakers. what integrated or pre (with phono) amp combo would be a good upgrade for me at 2400.00. I listen to a lot of female singers like Nora Jones, Allison Kraus, classical and world music. My listening room is a hard wood suspended floor with plaster walls. I've tried some solid state set ups prior but never worked with my room and system.