Looking for a first Tube Amp for under $1000

Over all the new economical Chinese manufactured tube amps showing up on the scene today I would recommend a restored Dynaco ST-70. It will meet your wattage needs and give you a sound that few new tube amps will approach, very musical. They have legendary iron and with today’s modified power supplies and caps are excellent. There are several very reputable builder/dealers on AudioGon worth considering. I concede that buying a new retail product is virtually a "no brainer" yet, with a little research and education there are IMHO some greater Hifi choices out there than these. You get what you pay for and that’s not just in “cash” currency. LOL

Happy Listening!

Thanks R_f_sayles! Dynaco ST-70 is definitely one of the amps I've also had an eye on. I see them on eBay a lot but I'm nervous about the quality of the mods and refinishing. I guess I need to figure out who are good resellers if I'm going to consider used amps.

Ditto Facten on the SQ-88, it has remote control for the volume as well. Sounds great and great build quality. Down the road, you will find it able to drive other considerations in speakers as well. The amps you have named I have not heard, some I have looked into. IMO the SQ-88 has more heft and for myself, a real pride of ownership.

killwhat, never heard the onix spkrs but fwiw, just about anything will beat the bose and spkrs are the most 'personal' foundation in any system so i'd definitely recommend auditioning quite a few before getting a 'deal' on a combo. of all your components the speakers will ultimately flavor the sound to your tastes. used hi end spkrs on a gon are a bargain compared to retail and will take you to a new level affordably. jmo. good luck!

I will second Grinnell's recommendation of the Primaluna integrateds . These amps are very user friendly with the
auto biasing feature . They will allow you to try many different tubes and , should you decide against tubes , will be very easy to resell .
I don't believe that your present speakers will allow you to hear what any of these amp choices are capable of doing . So maybe your choice should be guided by your desire for ease of use more than the sound of the amp or an available speaker purchase option . Just my 2 cents .

Good luck .