Compact ~20WPC Tube Amp

Check out the Unison Research Triode 25. It is an EL34 based Push Pull that is 25w. It’s a nice amp and should address most of your issues. At $4500 retail it is on target in terms of pricing. It delivers the quality that you want. They have good support in the US as the distributor is strong.

PrimaLuna, Decware, and Line Magnetic would all be viable alternatives in your price range.  You could also look around to see if you could find a used, Art Audio Carissa.  Hell of an amp.  

Full disclosure...I am a Unison dealer.  

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've had a quicksilver amp and the sound was not for me and the resale value was poor unfortunately. Definitely planning to contact Aric!

Definitely planning to contact Aric!

Good idea! 😊

Charles

The main limitation with some SET amplifiers is the choice of weak/inadequate driver tube. Just as you say, this driver needs to be robust. The DHT output tube demands this. He chose the 6EM7 rather than the 6SN7 for that reason

@charles1dad The 6SN7 has no worries driving a single DHT! That's not the problem- the coupling cap and the timing constants around it is. We ran into the same problem in our OTLs, but solved it by direct-coupling. We have a single 6SN7 thus driving 8 power triode grids with no distortion problems even when drawing substantial grid current. But to do this properly, you need a negative power supply and most SET designers aren't interested in the additional cost.

@atmasphere 

I am not an electrical engineer. I do listen intently when people who are successful at what they do offer their perspective and experiences. Israel  Blume is very accomplished with what he does and so is Aric. They both share the same opinion with regard to appropriate driver tubes for DHT tubes (Specifically 300b).

Either of them (And other amplifier builders who have similar view) are far more qualified than me to debate this point with you. I can say that their comments make plenty of sense and are backed up by their SET amplifier performance results. I just listen and read in an attempt to learn.

Charles