What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

Al,
I hear what you're saying and as always it is rational. Brownsfan reports that the Dynamo works wonderfully with his DeCapos. So it is the expected varied experiences. Tim Smith said the amp was fine with 87db Harbeths. Much depends on listening levels,genre and room size.

Hi Rebbi,
I delt with Galen Carol on a number of occasions, he has always been very helpful. In fact, my last purchase from him was a Jolida FX10 for a desk-top system paired with 93db 8ohm Tekton 4.5 monitors. Very good sound. The FX10 put out about 10 Watts.

Also second that Audio Nirvana, looks promising, wonder how it sounds? Seems as though it has hefty transformers, wonder how well made they are? I'm also impressed that they are using Black Treasure 300B, a real plus. Great "bargain" price as well.

Markus,
That is quite a compliment for the Frankenstein considering you have the esteemed Lamm SET as well.

Al, as Charles stated, I evaluated my deCapos in a 14 X 19 x 8 room with the dynamo and 3 other amps. I would suggest if rebbi is willing to limit peaks to about 90 to 92 dB he is probably going to be OK with the dynamo. I did not like my 500 wpc ss Cary amps with the deCapos at all. On the other hand, the inspire kt66 amp clearly ran out of steam. In terms of overall performance, wpc is one of many criteria as you know.

What troubles me is that rebbi needs to make a decision without benefit of an audition. I can't predict his assessment of the dynamo vs his Manley.

If the De Capo is easy to drive, that is actually more important than the efficiency rating. I have heard low wattage tube amps driving the very easy load 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5a speaker that is extremely inefficient (low 80's for efficiency) and the combination worked well even in a big room. On the other hand, the Wilson WP7 has a mid 90's efficiency, but even 40-50 watt tube amps would find that speaker to be a beast because of its very challenging load characteristics.

To me, the choice of the particular output tube being used is at least as important as the choice between single ended and pushpull. In either topology, the sound of the particular tube will come through and may be the difference between liking and disliking the result. In other words, if you happen to like a 300b SET amp, but, it turns out to not have quite enough power/control of the bass, consider a 300b pushpull amp in addition to looking for a SET alternative.

I haven't heard the alternatives you have been considering, except for the Art Audio PX-25. I like that amp. I actually prefer it to Jota (more delicate and beautiful sounding, though not as punchy), although the output power is quite low. I heard the PX-25 with very efficient Avantguarde speakers, and with much less efficient Spendor speakers and it is surprisingly capable for having a low output rating.