Tube amp question

Probably are but one thought comes to mind is dump your preamp and try the Vtl it85 integrated, could be found for 1300 to 1500 used and might fit your budget.

Sure there are, long as you do not intend to play too loud and your speakers have a friendly impedence curve. Used of course. Assuming both of those are not problems you could probably get by with a 40 to 80 watt job and there are many such on the market. I've used a Sonic's Frontiers SF80 for years - I've seen it on the 'gon for 800 to 1000 from time to time. Good push/pull type which uses EL34's, 6550's, KT88's or KT90's (KT99a's), and to my ears sounds best with KT88's, excellent bass (for tubes), and easy to use. I'm sure there are many others but I've not personally used them. Also, a tad higher than you budget, and with the same caveat about power and without quite the bass impact, the Primaluna Prologue 1 or 2 are quite good as well and even easier to use.

Check out Jolida.

Jeff

I'd second Velo62's answer. Tubes in your pre are generally considered a better way to go if you're going to mix tube and SS amplification (and I'd say go tube all the way and you'll never look back).

I am with Velo62 dump the pre and go with a tubed unit.

Chuck

Jolida and VTL 85 are grea reccomendations.ZAlso know that while you get greatn euphonics and best mids with tubes your frequency extremes cann ,all things being equallike prive etc, you get beter bass control and more dynamic slam with solid state.If you can find local Jolida dealer see how you like hybrids.It will with a SS power amp titlt towards the Siolid stae side (as a SS pre and "tubey" tube amp will tilt towards wram[or noisy depending on bias] tube sound).Buit yopu might like hybrids that Jolida makes sand other like Unison Research or Pathos Classic One MkII.Not sure what they cost used but Hary Pearson owner of VPI has no ad dollars to sway hiom or with consumer sites the "It must be 5 stars.I bought it and I'm a genius right?") had great thingsd to say about Cayin.Other Asian products well reviewed are Minimax and ASL.Mark O'Brien of Rogue fame has just come out with a junior line and his equipment always delivered the goods at price that wasn't an insult.Same with used Quicksilver.
Chazzbo

Thanks you all for your inputs.