What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

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

Saki,Got it. There are others on this thread that could better answer your question. I am rather new to tube amps.
Further, I wouldn't generalize based on the dynamo and the Frank's. They are both Israel's designs, but there are huge differences in transformers, driver tubes, etc.
For what it is worth, which is not much, I'd say the dynamo is a bit more of a classic tube sound. Lots of midrange bloom. The franks have a richness and harmonic sophistication across the frequency spectrum that is unique in my experience.
I encourage others with more experience to contribute their thoughts.