Is all the hype warranted

I've owned both a Torii Mk IV and an SE34i.2+, along with their CSP3 preamp. All fine pieces and sounded great, none "giant killers", whatever that means. The closest to a keeper was the Torii, which I spent a year comparing to the Atma-Sphere M60s. I kept the Atmas.

Decware has been around a long time and Steve is a very competent amp designer and an even better amp marketer. They've always had a very fervent following and then were discovered by the media during Covid. Wait list to get a new one now is over 3 years.

I'd say if you really want to try a Decware amp pick one up used, should be easy to resell. People who ears I trust, like Larry, have said they are not that great but I've never heard a Decware amp.

You want easy load more than efficiency with lower power tube amps.   Think Fritz. 

Decware has unique aesthetics.  That doesn’t hurt.  Disclaimer:   Have never heard Decware but the products do appeal to me.   Seem to always have a big backlog of orders it seems. 

I'm a new owner of a Decware SE84UFO2.1(2.3 watts).I bought it for a back up for my other amp for a just in case scenario. In a medium sized room with Zu Omen Defs (103db sensitivity) it will kick out 80db.It's strong point is realistic timbre from the highest percussion,flutes,etc. and vocals, all the way down to the bass instruments.Separation between instruments,vocals, and layers is excellent.Better than my AricAudio Transcend (40+ watts depending on power tubes).I've only got 12 hours on it but so far I really like it.Dynamics so far are not it's major strength but with lighter fair - Dire Straits,Bruce Colburn, John Mayall and so on I find it addicting.