I'm no expert and I also don't have a SV unit just yet (something I really want to get though). Another limitation I have is living in an apartment with a city by-law that prevents the use of BBQ's. As such, I have had to get by with the stove-top method. I do not like finishing a steak in the oven....I've never had good luck with that method. So this is what I do.
I use a Canada Triple A cut of Tenderloin (mostly). I buy it from Costco and I've been happy with the quality, plus I can afford it. It is approx 1.5" thick. Sorry guys, I don't do the other organic choices......it's beyond my means. I believe Canada AAA is equivalent to USDA Prime(?).
I add some Montreal Steak Spice to both sides of the steak, rub it in and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
I then heat my frying-pan using peanut Oil on a #7 setting of an electric stove for about 2 minutes. This gives me the temperature I like.
I then introduce the steak and time it for 2 minutes per side. I am very careful about this.
I then let it rest for about 5 minutes and this is the result.
View attachment 11543
While the result of this method is not "what's Best", it is a picture of what you can come close to, if you adapt yourself to the methods at your disposal.