Let's talk tube amps - no ss discussion

Try the vtl monoblocks the 125's are in your price range and although I would not call them lush they "RIDE THE LINE" between tube and solid state if this is what your after.

I use a pair of Sonic Frontiers Power 3 SE's with a 10K Holco passive volume control (driven by a Sony SACD 777ES). I love the sound of them - *really* good bass (as good as most SS) and clear, neutral midrange. They are a bit "dry" sounding, though, so they are not the amps for you if you need a wetter, warmer, more tubey sound. They take 16 x KT88's so re-tubing costs are higher than normal. They run $3500 or so used for the non-SE version. If you don't need so much power (260W/ch) you could try the Power 2 (120W/ch). Kevin Deal has a Power 2 SE for sale at the moment for $3400 (new - and the last one!).

You'd better specify speakers you are planning to drive.
Generally speaking, for speakers with normal sensitivity I always liked(and owned) BAT amps.
For your budget you can get used VK60( maybe even monoblocks) or used stereo VK75.
Best when used with BAT preamps.

VTL 300 OR 450 SIGNATURE amplifiers are excellent choices also work good with placette passive unit.

I second the EAR 534.