If you want to go really inexpensive, search out a vintage Akai M8 or Roberts 770X. These are reel to reel tape recorders with single ended integrated tube amps built in. The amps use EL84 output tubes for 6 watts per channel, and they also have a phono stage built in. I bought an M8 at a garage sale two years ago for $35, thinking I'd have fun playing with a reel to reel. I commented on the weight (50 lbs) as I picked it up, and the seller said, "Tube amps, you know." Tested the tubes and changed one, and hooked it up in place of a Fisher 500B tube receiver just to have a quick listen. I had always enjoyed the Fisher 500B, but it just doesn't compare to the Akai for sound quality so it has been sitting idle ever since.
The later Roberts 770X recorders are solid state, so if you are looking at one of these make sure it has tubes - you can see them through the ventilation grilles on the front.
The later Roberts 770X recorders are solid state, so if you are looking at one of these make sure it has tubes - you can see them through the ventilation grilles on the front.