Personally, I could not get over the metallic sound of my 2ce high end even with a tube amp. I tried a CJ MV50 which did not control the bass at all. I really think that in your price range it would be very tough to buy a tube amp with enough power to run the Vandees and not have an amp that is very expensive. Unless you really like the Vandees and are willing to spend 2.5k plus on an amp. I really prefer my present set up with Pro Ac Resonse 2 w/ an ARC Classic 30 which cost used 1300 and will power the Pro ACs which would not happen w/ the Vandees.
Tube Amps with Vandersteen 2Ci's ???
Anyone have any experience powering 2Ci's with a tube amp? I'd like to move up from my Adcom 555 to something in the tube department, perhaps monoblocks. Already have tube preamp (Audible Illusions Mod 1), and have been eyeballing a few class A tubers. 2Ci's not your typical rock and roll speaker, will I lose all the low end punch and crispiness? Any recommendations?