Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.

There’s always the used or DIY market. For me the Willsenton R8 has been great. 

@artemus_5  I actually really like the idea of the st120 kit. I enjoy stuff like that. I used to rebuild carburetors years ago as a side gig. I might actually buy one just to build for fun. I have it in the cart, just got home from work and the scotch is tasting good....!

@millercarbon Im guessing you have about a decade on me. I worked on the farm though. Started at 10 saved all my money but I was into hunting. So I bought my first Remington 870 Wingmaster 12ga. I was in 4th grade. In my head I THINK I would like to end up with a Raven Osprey and a pair of ZU Omens. But for now I would like to play with what I have acquired for pennies on the dollar. I know its far from perfect but it actually sounds pretty damn good. I also know it could probably be worlds better. So why not play a little? As long as I pay attention I think I can recovery pretty easily in the end as I said I am in this literally 20-25 cents on the dollar. I got everything for less than the price of one speaker new. I would love to hear your system honestly. Yours and @oldhvymec's are two that I would like to experience.  

I appreciate everyones input. Thank you.

Easy advice. Try it. If you like it, keep going. If you don’t, you’ll know. I’ve tried both solid state and tubes and tube hybrids. I enjoyed the tube amps far more. I’m not gonna argue science or measurements. I like it. That’s it. That’s all there has to be. Try it and see if it’s for you or not. 

@scchengmus That was an option I was considering also. everything I read and watch is very positive. It seems as thought a lot of the internals are the same brands and models of reputable high end brands. What is your experience with it.

OP, 
I built a system over the past year. I have Quicksilver and love it. It is extremely well made and beautiful sounding. I'm a huge fan.

But given the constraints you mentioned, I would push my own prejudice aside and affirm a couple other points made which I think take precedence.

First, the speakers are extraordinarily important, and if you were able to start building your system toward tubes, you should probably look for a bit more power than those used Quicksilver monos. But maybe not. I have 87db speakers with 60wpc monos and it's plenty of power.

Still, let's say you're ok with sticking with your speakers. What would make the most difference for $1-1.5k? I have to think it would be a good tube preamp or a tube DAC. Quicksilver and other tube preamps are possibilities; or Orchid MHDT Dac; or others. The point is that you want the tubes early in the signal path, first. Later, you can get tube amps. But before then, DAC or preamp. Gotta make sure the preamp and Peachtree will play nice together.