At an impressionable age,I was exposed to my father's Heathkits. They were outstanding values.
I prefer panels(Maggies)to boxes, but for boxes,the Madisound stuff is a good value for money spent.
AVA's Omega Star line pieces are roughly half the prices of their fet/valve pieces. The fet/valve stuff is unquestionably better;I question if it is twice as good for twice the money. The Omega Stars' build quality is Demingesque,the parts quality is excellent,and a good value for money spent.