Help with tube amps

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.

She asked for cheap stuff that will work guys - what about George Wright? In your price range and new and it's as good as the more expensive stuff. wrightsound.com