HELP: I need a solid state amp with a tube sound

Rowland & Aloia are both good suggestions above.
Surprised that no one has suggested the Ayre V3! Typically recommended as a "tube-like" sound; go to Stereophile's website archives & check out their review of the Ayre V3 - it's amazing. Presently available used for around $1800 or perhaps less, but definitely get one with the Ayre Conditioner power supply upgrade. Sounds much better than any tube product :)

Not quite tubes..but musical fidelity...especially in Class A..are very warm and involving...

Another pathway to "tube" euphoria would be to use a Musical Fidelity (Thank's PhaseCorrect !) X-10D between the Pre-amp and amp. They really do turn the sterile, chalky, Surface of the Sun, bleached sound (of Solid State) into a pleasing and listenable event. They are quite cheap as well. Musical Fidelity does not make them any more, but they pop up (on AudiogoN) from time to time (about 150.00). They use two 6DJ8/6922 tubes and they react well to "tube rolling".In a way, this whole topic is a tad moot at the price range that you are trolling in. 2500.00 for a "used" (or NEW) amplifier is a BUNCH of money (for SS or Tube). No matter what "Solid State" amp that you choose, it will have many positive facets in its favor (and should not have many that will disappoint). There are "always" exceptions to this and I'm sure that we (as Audiophools) have "all" had a "bad experience" or two (or nine). There is no "Gospel" in amp buying.

The Musical Fidelity "A" series does have a nice midrange warmth to it and is very smooth, but I wouldn't ever confuse it for a tube amp, it does many things much better then tube amps typically do. The new SS MF gear is startling in its quietness and 3D layering, the top end is superbly extended and the bass is articulate and goes deep (though not very full), and the sound is blazingly fast, all of which makes it vastly superior to most tube amps I've heard under $3K in those regards, as they had the typical noise, rolled off topend, soggy bass and lack of oomph. I'm guessing if someone wants "tube-like sound" from SS, besides the epxense, they probably want to avoid those negatives usually found in tube amps in the stated price range as well....

Anything by Electrocompaniet. You will think you were listening to tubes.