I would buy a Van Alstine Omega III at about a $1000 for those speakers. It is solid state, but I don't think there is anything intrinsically special about a tube. If your just dying to have them their fet/valve line are hybrid vacuum tube solid-state designs and start at around $1500 (I own those). Any of the Van Alstine stuff is excellent value for the money. www.avahifi.com A used or new Carver Sunfire would also be a good amplifier.
<2K amp for Shearwaters
Now that I have a nice pair of speakers,... I want tubes. I've set my budget, and am trying to decide beween: 1. an integrated- like the Cary sli80, VTL IT85, CJ,. 2. Use the volume on my Marantz CD63 to control the level into a power amp- VTL ST85, or many used pieces I've noticed on Audiogon.. or go with some inexpensive mono blocks, ss or used tube. I mean, I think I really want tube power, I love the sound, the few times I've listened. and the speaker maker highly reccommends tube power for his product. Any advice from Shearwater owners (89dB) or anybody else is appreciated. Jay