You’re likely better off looking for a nice used integrated amp. I don’t think you will get as good with separate preamp/power scenarios. If you can stretch youre budget to $2398, I would recommend the Kinki Studio EX-M1. It’s quite powerful at 215 watts per channel and has extraordinary sound quality for the money. The internal op amps are socketed, so you can always upgrade the op amps in the future if you want increased sound quality.
There are a couple Hegels for under $2k, but they are somewhat low power. Hegel H95 on usaudiomart for $1750 but only 60 watts per channel. A Hegel H120 on ebay for auction starting at $1975 but only 75 watts per channel.
ADD: sorry, I didn't catch your "tube" requirement.
There are a couple Hegels for under $2k, but they are somewhat low power. Hegel H95 on usaudiomart for $1750 but only 60 watts per channel. A Hegel H120 on ebay for auction starting at $1975 but only 75 watts per channel.
ADD: sorry, I didn't catch your "tube" requirement.