Best tube integrated? anyone know?

If you can stretch it a bit the VAC Avatar SE is worth pursuing. I saw a listing for one on here recently for $2500. Not sure it is still available but having owned one I can say it is a fine sounding integrated amp.beven tempted me for a bit.

Line Magnetic has both KT88 and EL34 based integrated amps in the under $2000 category. No formal reviews, but I've heard excellent reports about them both.

Look at some used Cayin units, great sound, great value. I own a couple of their units and I am very pleased.

for high efficiency speakers try Audio Note Oto or Soro integrateds

The Bada 222(?) from Pacific valve is very good. It's a hybrid 95 wpc. Smooth, powerful, detailed. Really nice and a 30 day trial. It's what I would own if I had to buy an inexpensive amp.