Golden Tube amps

The one that combines undisputed reliability along with excellent sound is Quicksilver M60.
This one also excells on tube longetivity and probably today's champion on this issue. Never I gues you would have to do anything with these amps. Jus plug and play.

I bought a pair of used Golden Tube Audio 40W monoblocks from a local audio store. They had been modified by Manley labs, I've had them for 2 years now and never had a problem. I'm fairly new to audio and have not listened to many different types of systems, but an old audiophile friend was extremely impressed with the sound of these amps and said they were a bargain at the price.

I read about the reliability issues - there is a long discussion on audioreview, and so a few months later I bought a second pair used on audiogon, thinking that I'd use them for parts when the first pair broke. Well, no surprise, idle amps beg for new speakers...I ended up getting a pair of used SL3s and set up a second system with the second pair of GTAs, and have used these for 18 months with no problems yet.

Maybe I've been lucky...but I highly recommend the GTA amps.

Hard to go wrong with a McIntosh MC240 or MC225; both around 1000 to 2000 depending on condition. Runners closer to a grand to 1500; pretty ones closer to 2000. Great amps with some minor upgrades to the components.

For the record and to correct the comment made in the first post

"Probably a lovely euphonic sound more than neutral, linear."

The SE40 is not overly euphonic nor does it sound particularly "tube-y". It is very neutral, especially in the midrange. It's single ended. Some of the best midrange reproduction, solid state or tube, that I've ever heard. So clean, it will embarass many amps as veiled and muddy. It just sounds good, not good for the price or good for an entry level tube amp.

Most people who say bad things about the SE40 are people who have never owned or heard it. It's just plain careless and useless.

Yes, reliability is a concern, but it depends. I've owned four SE40's over the years. Three were perfect, one had some problems, but nothing any competent tech or DIYer can't fix.

Another useability concern is that it is somewhat of a pain to bias. It has to be turned over and the pots are too sensitive and requires use of long plastic screwdrivers.

It also runs very hot. Great space heater for winter. Tube life is not as long as some, need replacing every two years or so.

All in all, the SE40 is a great amp, underrated, sometimes maligned, but loved by those in the know.

Viggen
Another words we are talking Chinese made gear.I almost bought a new se40 when still made.But Thanks God the people at Audio Outlet convinced me to get A conrad Johnson MV-55
instead.Soon after I bought my MV-55 GTA went under.I guess Audio Outlet knew inside information.