One thing to remember is that with tube amps, they pretty much have to be loud to get the best tone. Unless you get something like the Marshall Power Brake, which allows you to crank the amp up, then turn the volume down. That's another few hundred dollars though.

I highly recommend tube amps over solid state, but it's really personal opinion. Tube amps produce a "fuller" tone that will cut through the drums and other intruments better.