Help with tube amps

mcintosh mc240 can be had for that money in rough shape but works fine...the mc225 is a little more money but less power..and sounds better and rarer

audio note p2se single ended pentode amp..powerful for 17 watts and 1000 used..the OTO model makes 10 watts and some say it sounds a bit better..a little less money...

dynaco st70 or st35 good starter tube amp with good power

audio research classic 60 and VT60

There are others in your price range but they are all low powered SET amps and not very desirable; ie, cheap low powered SET amps are not very desirable!

Hello Emily. I would concurr with the Conrad Johnson recommendations as well. The older mv45,mv 50, mv52 are wonderfully musical with near zero ear fatique, and can be found for far less than your budget. All of them are el34 based. Roger magesky's rm-9 is another consideration. Best of luck on your endevour.

Gosh the 8417's are great as I probably know more about the sound of those amps than anyone else other than Mike Sanders...If you think they are good my friend you had better get yourself a listen to the Quicksilver TRIODES.
The 8417's are a joke compared to the TRIODES.
Jordi

Any questions about Quicksilver stuff give me a scream...I am the AUDIO god

After exisiting as a solid state fanatic for 30 years I recently purchased a second system that for the first time is tube based. It is a Jolida 302B intergrated amp, Jolida 100 CD player, Meadowlark Kestrel 2s with Synergistic and Tara interconnect/speaker cables. For under $3500 with cabling and a little tube rolling, this is an amazing system. There is a distinct difference in sound that, for classical and jazz, is much better through the tube system. Much sweeter and easier on the ears is the overall impression I give this system. I hear as much detail as I do with the solid state system, it's just a more laid back, gentler impact. I'm not a total convert either way; each type of system has its limitations and advantages.