What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

Rebbi,
You've done your homework based on the list of amplifier contenders.There isn't a bad choice among them and very likely anyone of them would make you happy long term. You're at a point where ther's little left to add, listening is the next step. The Dynamo with a small investment for switchbox and better recrifier tube is high value choice.

For more money you step into the realm of DHT tubes (300b and PX 25). The Art Audio PX 25 gets nothing but raves and for 2800.00 (or less) is a truly good deal IMHO.The Art Audio is said to use very good transformers and power supply. Me, I'd spend more and get the pure DHT Art Audio. I'm a buy what's really good and keep it very long term type of guy.
Charles,

Charles,
I think I'm going to have to let the Art Audio piece go. The seller told me that one of the PX 25 tubes is humming, and a little research seems to suggest that "cheap" PX 25 tubes (new, not NOS) are going for $500+ for a matched pair. That's a substantial added expense for me.
Given that you have a fondness for DHT tubes like the 300b, would you take a look at the ASL or even the Audio Note kit?
Steve

Steve,
of course, I think each of your candidates are very good amplifiers. Based on your list I felt the Art Audio have the highest level of part and built quality(and a bargain at 2800). To get similar quality output transformers in the AN Kit requires the C Core upgrade IMO. I certainly believe the "standard" AN Kit 300b is no doubt good quality. That's the thing, the higher level transformers just don't come cheap! The Frankenstein is 6K, but this cuys you custom Japanese double C Cores for the output,power and the interstage transformers. That's a lot of ultra quality iron.

I know less about the ASL amplifier but have read that they're good. Your speaker builder sure likes them so that counts for something. The AN Kit option leaves room for future upgrades if desired.If the transformer are too much money, I'd give serious consideration to at least getting upgraded capacitors if possible. Based on my experience these parts really do matter and will provide improved sound quality. Keep in mind Steve that DHT tubes are much more expensive than el34 types. However DHT tubes generally last a very long time(10K hours or more depending on amp circuit and operation points chosen).DHT are the oldest and more simpler design tubes but they make beautiful music in a well implemented amplifier. It will be a different presentation compared to your push pull Manley. Better sounding? that will be for you to decide, they are for me.
Charles,

I have friends with Art Audio amps, very good product, but given your budget restraint tubes will cost you, no matter what 300B you decide on. Almarg provided you with a great solution for more inputs for the Dynamo. As Tim Smith wrote, re-tubing the Dynamo is only a $100 expense for all the tubes. I would spend slightly more. Get the new rectifier from Gold Lion or Mullard.

At any rate, you need to get whatever floats your boat. Collectively A'gon members have given you a boat load of good advice. Good luck. Best, Rob.

Brownsfan ;
Thank you so much for your reply .
I don't mean to be a pest but ...
I did not mean for you to compare the Dynamo to the Frankenstein per se .
I wanted to get your take on the difference , in sound characteristics , between an EL-34 tube and a 300B tube in the same type of SET circuit . I figured that because these two amps were designed and built by the same artist that this would be about as fair of a comparison as is possible for these two 'different' tubes in the same type of circuit .

If you would be so kind .
Thank you