Quackfat, you are not wrong.
The Sylvania 6SN7GTB's are the best I've tried in the pre as well.
Xplastics, good to see Robfest pointed you in the right direction. If you are handy with electronics, look into the mods the Quackfat mentioned. They will take it up a notch.
Rives Audio has a page with link to room treatment/ speaker placement site.
http://www.rivesaudio.com/resources/links/frame.html
I'll add a speaker in your price range (used):
http://www.vonschweikert.com/vr2.html
I've not listened to them, but based on folks' reactions to them and on my own experience with Albert's speakers they are probaly a worthy contender.
KP