Classic el34 tube amps versus current models

Hello Meiatflask,
I would agree with charles1dad that SET amps generally do all the things you said you want better than EL34 amps. Line Magnetic is getting amazing reviews for their amps, and there's one based on the 845 tube for sale within your budget here: http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649217914-mint-line-magnetic-518ia-set-tube-amp-845-one-owner-gol...

However, if you really want to stay with the EL34, and get the best of the classic sound without its weaknesses, I would second whoever above recommended the Music Reference RM9. I've seen a couple listed on A'gon within your price. I used to own one so I can attest to their musicality. Nevertheless, any true triode amp will outperform it. Just my opinion, of courses, and it goes without saying that YMMV.

A used Line Magnetic 845 SET or the Audio Space Reference 3.1 300b push pull I pointed out yesterday, either would be wonderful choices for 3 K USD. No question about it. True high quality amplifiers. 
Charles 

Used Manley Snapper mono blocks - right in your price range - excellent sounding - just my 2 cents.

I love EL34s. Many years ago I had 2 100WPC EL34 tube amps, model RM-9, made by Roger Mojeski. I had each modified so all the (if memory serves) 8 tube sockets was switchable to triode operation, thus reducing the amps output to 50WPC. My intention was to bridge each amp for mono and use them in triode mode (each amp @100W/mono) w/my Vandersteen 4's mid- and upper-range inputs.

The bridging plan never happened, but I did use one of the amps in stereo mode extensively, comparing triode to standard sound. Let me tell you, those EL34's, run in triode mode, were a revelation. I've never heard anything so "real," tangible and tactile as that.

I also tried KT88's (I think that's the model #) tubes in this amp, and that was interesting: they sounded a little stronger & more impactful, but a touch less "real," than EL34's in standard operation; and they sounded weak and strangled in triode operation (that experiment didn't last long).

I still have the amps and all the tubes in storage.

Suggest you give primaluna HP a listen eith 8 EL34's.  Next up for me will be the KT150 tube which has received rave reviews.