My tastes in music are similar. I went with a tube integrated amp. You can find them used for under $1000. I know that makes the rest of your budget tight but tubes will make a big difference. Look for an amp that takes EL34 tubes like a Sophia Electric Baby amp or Jolida. Speakers would need to be fairly efficient.
I just had my amp in the shop and had to listen to SS (nothing high end) was I jonesing for tubes after a week. Koko Taylor or Willie Dixon on tubes is sweet.
I just had my amp in the shop and had to listen to SS (nothing high end) was I jonesing for tubes after a week. Koko Taylor or Willie Dixon on tubes is sweet.