EL 34 Amp Recommendations

I haven't tried a tube amp before so this is new territory for me.

Consider an amp that can use more than just EL34's (good start IMO).

Also consider that with an auto-biasing amp if there are more than 2 output tubes you should really stick with matched quads. Meaning if you lose a tube a replacement may be too different from the other 3 and the auto-biasing may not be able to handle it. With some tubes pairs are a lot easier to find especially with vintage tubes.

Last consider an amp that has great protection circuit for the output tubes. Without it depending how a tube decides it's time for tube heaven it could take out some resistors. Also a soft start circuit helps extend the tube life.

That being said I haven't seen anything that is all of the above anywhere near your budget. I have an Octave V70SE integrated that does all of that but it is 7k (have only seen 1 V70 not SE used for 5k). So consider these when looking.

I'm another fan of Quicksilver Mid Mono's and Will Vincent's Stereo 70. In both amps I perfer the Gold Lion KT66.

Meant to say consider those features. Found a V40SE here but a bit over your budget.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-octave-v40-se-integrated-amplifier-black-finish-amazing-2012-11-24-amplifiers-60154

+1 on Music Reference. Since I bought my RM9, I got off the 'latest & greatest' merry-go-round! Bought it used, it's roughly 20+ yrs old, built like a tank, gorgeous sound, I've NEVER seen a negative word written about it. There's obvious reasons for this. If you can find one, I'd scoop it up!

Can't use an integrated amp. The Vandersteen 2WQ require separate pre-amp and amp. Don't know why, but they do.