Few stereo tube gear are under $1K on eBay. If so are only 12 to 15 watts per channel. The vintage gear needs a complete rebuild on top of the horrid price. Most new tube amps do not have a phono stage either.
You are correct that the iron often dictates the value of the vintage piece. Tube amps are probably the only vintage component I would consider buying. Absolutely no vintage S.S. amps.
In recent years, the highest valuation on the best American made vintage tube gear (meaning Marantz, McIntosh, etc) was to be realized in Asian markets. That may still be the case. I agree that US prices may be fading.
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