SET amps ?

Hi Mechans,
I used push pull tube amps for 15 years until the switch to SET amplifiers
over four years ago. IMO SET amps are much simpler in design and use
(fewer tubes and parts) circuits are quite minimalistic. I enjoyed my PP
amplifiers but in my case the SETis just better sounding, more musically -
emotionally involving and natural in presentation. A profound upward step
for me. The key is having an "appropriate speaker", if you do, the
resulting music reproduction is a sheer joy. I'd spend a bit more if
necessary to ensure the output transformer is of good quality( mandatory
for good SET performance).

Jazzman463,
If your name is representative of music taste I think you'll love what SET
amplifiers can achieve. Generally speaking the DHT type tubes of good
quality ( 300b, 2A3, 45, etc) last for many hours in circuits that don't stress
them.
Charles,

Single-ended triodes are the very best choice with speakers that are efficient.

^^ not sure I would agree with that (I think there are better amps for efficient speakers...) but it is true that if you want to hear what a SET can do you need efficient speakers, otherwise you won't hear the 'magic'.

Atmasphere,
I would naturally expect you to take that position or why build OTL
amplifiers for all these years. Either could be the ideal choice depending on
various factors. Having heard both amplifier types I preferred SET, someone
else could certainly chose differently. The builder(Israel Blume) of my SET
could come here and make a very compelling case for SET just as you
passionately do for your OTL topology in many threads over the years. I
appreciate both of you talented and committed gentlemen. Variety is truly
the spice of life.
Charles,

I have spent quite a bit of time in the last couple of years listening to SET and OTL amps with my reasonably efficient speakers. I enjoy both equally as much. So much so I am now part of a group that manufactures SET amps and just recently became a dealer for OTL amps.

That being said one of my "pet" amps is a push-pull design using EL-84 tubes. The Music Reference RM-10. I would highly recommend this to the OP if he is inclined to move away from SET. Used it would fall within the budget.