Need amp suggestions for Hedlund Horns....

Since my speakers are VERY efficient, is the 300b still the "best" tube to use?  Is there anything "better" at 1 watt or so?  I want that warm bloom that I heard once, music just coming alive like I've never heard it.  300b vs 45 vs others?

$5K yikes! Thats a lot of overtime.  Anything close 90% around the $1K mark??  (really being optimistic here)

How's this one on eBay?  I know buying stuff from the Far East is a gamble.  This guy is just two hours away from me.  How does the guts look?  

....just started reading.  So much out there, so many opinions.  How do I decide?  (this is actually a self-diagnosed neurotic condition I have- I have a hard time deciding)  

I pulled the full range single driver and it is an AER MK1 which from what I read is (can be) a great speaker with the right enclosure/baffle (for $2500/pair it better be). Again these AERs are in a Hedlund Horn (feel free to search Google pics) so no crossover.

As far as efficiency, not sure how to measure this or where to find as the AER website has no specs- any help would be appreciated. If I had to guess it would be in the 102db range.

So what is a good 300b design? What makes a "stiff" power supply? What’s a good output transformer? What specs should I look for? None of the suggested 300b manufacturers mentioned share their circuit design nor parts list. Is it better to have one built to match specs for the AER speaker?

Spent some time (almost all night) reading and reading... and here are some of my findings please give me more insight. 

1. The Dynamo uses EL34 tubes with power at 8w.  As much as the price attracts me, it seems that my optimal power would be around 1-4w.  I currently have a homemade EL84 pentode/triode amp and at triode mode 1.9w (I think) it puts out a great amount of sound (but not glorious sound).  Will the EL34 tube give me the feeling of other tubes?

2.  2A3 tubes, single ended DHT circuit, NOT push/pull is my ideal sound/signature after hours of reading. The 45 tube would be second and 300b third but may have more 'power' than I need or want.  

3.  Price.  Since 300b's seem to the most popular of the bunch they seem to fetch the highest price which is another reason to go with the 2A3 or others.  A quick search on eB@y reveal makers like Dared, Douke, and others.  The Chinese one seem that they cut corners (PCBs, etc) so leaning away from it.  The Japan made ones (Hirata/Tango look promising so please let me know if this would be an ok amp.  

4.  Other selections.  What can you find that's under $2K that is the best value?  I'm all about value.   Don't want cheap as usually you get what you pay for but sometimes there are hidden gems to be found, especially used.  
**I actually prefer used, I give each used piece a name- after the person that I purchased it from.  That way the history/legacy lives on.  I do this with other gear like guitars-I'm a musician.  

Any and every suggestion is welcome.  I realize my ignorance in this topic and am very grateful to all your input.  

Wow!  Ok, my search continues...  BTW I just updated my profile picture so you can see what the speakers look like.  

@charles1dad , @gwalt , @powder1 : I am certainly open to the 45 tube variety- low power, reputable sound quality, availability, and if prices are low that is the ticket.

@bradf : I now realize that $1K is a bit low to spend on a quality integrated so I am open to go $2K if the value is there.  I have a VTL Dual Mono tube preamp (may not be a good match, not sure).  I'd rather go integrated for matching and simplicity. 

@jond There is a Tube Audio Labs 300b amp on Audiogon right now for $1900. Is that a good unit? If so, how good and would you advise that option over the 45 version?  Also there is another Tube Audio Labs 2A3 amp for a good price.  Your opinions?  

If I went with any of these great 2A3 amps, what preamps work with them?  I have with me a VTL dual mono tube amp, and use it to power a musical fidelity A3cr 210 @ 4ohms to my Martin Logan Ascents.  

I have a feeling these lower power SET amps need a different type of preamp.   Suggestions?  

@jond  Yes sorry VTL Dual Mono Preamp going to a MF A3CR SS amp.  
OK I'll try using that first.  Thanks for the heads up- trying not to get too deep in the rabbit hole.  

My current VTL Dual Mono Preamp will be relocated downstairs to power another system.  

Any Tortuga LDR3.v2 owners out there looking to sell?  Of all the passive preamps out there, this Tortuga intrigues me the most, wish I can audition one around here to see how it mates with a SET 2A3 amp.  

@charles1dad  + Yes I placed a bid for the Tube Audio Labs Western Electric Clone 2A3 Stereo Amplifier for $525 and it was accepted.  Did some reading before and read all the happy owners of Min's builds.  I now have some extra cash to put in a nice preamp.  Was thinking of several options:  Some type of passive preamp like a Tortuga LDR3.v2 /Lightspeed or if there is another recommendation in the sub $1k.  

I know system synergy is what I'm after.  My speakers are AER MK1 loaded in a Hedlund horn at about 102db efficiency.  My sources will be: VPI Scout II to a Sutherland Ph3D Phono Pre, a Marantz DV8400 multi player, and an Original DaVinci CD player.  I'm not sure of specs for the coming Tube Audio Labs 2A3 amp.  

Any suggestions? 

I'm in Minneapolis MN sorry otherwise I would.  You up for the drive? :)

Yes the picture on my profile are the Hedlunds.  And yes they are massive.