My experience is that it takes quite a bit of $$$ before the tube amps really show the magic they're capable of. If you want to stay under $2K, then the best price-to-performance value probably is coming from China nowadays. The offerings from the likes of Willsenton, Muzishare, Cayin, Doge, etc. offer tremendous value for under $2K.
I have owned Raven Audio Blackhawk MK3, Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Rogers v65-2, VTL IT-85, and a few others. I recently bought a Willsenton R8 for $1500 and was shocked to see that it is better both in terms of SQ and build/finish. You do need to spend an extra $500-700 for better tubes since the stock ones are rubbish. The Willsenton gives you the classic tube sound, and although it lacks the refinement of amps that are, say, over $5k, it is not embarrassed by more highly priced offerings from other vendors.
I bought the Willsenton R8 from Amazon to see what the hype was all about. I was fully expecting to return it within 30 days but that sucker turned out to be too good for the price and I ended up keeping it.