The Modwright LS 100 used should fit in your budget if you can find one. I've been super happy with mine. No lack of bass, but I have 4 subwoofers. Having said that, Before I got my Harbeth Super HL5 Plus speakers I was using Legacy Audio Focus 20/20 speakers and they produced prodigious amounts of bass on their own when connected to the LS-100. Is the LS-100 the "most musical" in that price range? Beats me. I'm sure you'll get some other good recommendations.
The only issue I've had with it is NOS and some of the fancier new tubes going microphonic in it. I won't mention brands, but their first name is Sophia and last name is Electric. The Tung Sols that came with it have not had any issues with microphonics and sound surprisingly good. They are in it now while I'm waiting for a replacement for one of the NOS tubes that started crackling...
The only issue I've had with it is NOS and some of the fancier new tubes going microphonic in it. I won't mention brands, but their first name is Sophia and last name is Electric. The Tung Sols that came with it have not had any issues with microphonics and sound surprisingly good. They are in it now while I'm waiting for a replacement for one of the NOS tubes that started crackling...