Yours is a pretty common story, myself included. Took the plunge into tubes some years back with a Jolida 502brc integrated and was glad I did. Love the tube sound. I was apprehensive at first but nothing to worry about really - piece of cake. Most of the newer tube gear is easy to bias, some even with auto bias. I have installed a couple new sets of tubes over the years, pretty easy.
Then wanted to see what the fuss was with SS/tube mix so picked up a McCormack dna .5 here on Agon. Was considering a Freya but bought a Schiit Saga + B-stock pre to go with it as a start. Sounded great, especially for the money! But, not especially tubey, and not enough gain IMO. Then recently purchased a Rogue Perseus (again here on Agon) tube pre and am very happy with it. Head and shoulders above the Saga. But at around $1,800 brand new that should be no surprise. Nice tube sound with the control of 100 watts of SS.
I think a tube integrated is a great start for you. The Primaluna stuff is nice. Never owned any but have done several listening sessions. Still love my Jolida. I wouldn't ignore the Rogue gear either. Very well made, and sounds great. Not sure about the repairs your dealer was talking about. I haven't heard of excessive quality issues. If you are going the Schiit route (and it is hard to pass up for the price!) skip the Saga and get the Freya. If you buy used you can really stretch that $3k budget. I have less than $2k into the Mc/Rogue combo. Bottom line: maybe just a little more work with tubes but well worth it IMHO.
Then wanted to see what the fuss was with SS/tube mix so picked up a McCormack dna .5 here on Agon. Was considering a Freya but bought a Schiit Saga + B-stock pre to go with it as a start. Sounded great, especially for the money! But, not especially tubey, and not enough gain IMO. Then recently purchased a Rogue Perseus (again here on Agon) tube pre and am very happy with it. Head and shoulders above the Saga. But at around $1,800 brand new that should be no surprise. Nice tube sound with the control of 100 watts of SS.
I think a tube integrated is a great start for you. The Primaluna stuff is nice. Never owned any but have done several listening sessions. Still love my Jolida. I wouldn't ignore the Rogue gear either. Very well made, and sounds great. Not sure about the repairs your dealer was talking about. I haven't heard of excessive quality issues. If you are going the Schiit route (and it is hard to pass up for the price!) skip the Saga and get the Freya. If you buy used you can really stretch that $3k budget. I have less than $2k into the Mc/Rogue combo. Bottom line: maybe just a little more work with tubes but well worth it IMHO.