Thanks for the detailed information and suggestions. I am intrigued by these tube amps, especially the SET - however wondering if I would tolerate it's limitations - as you mentioned with large orchestras.
Many of your descriptions/positive traits of the SET seemed to parallel my impression of the push pull amp: I picked up more low level detail versus the SS amp,
single instrument solos seem to stand out better in the symphonies I listened to. The distortion was overly pronounced during break-in and when it was cold - ear-catching to say the least, but finally leveled out to a pleasing level. I wondering if all of this will be even more pronounced with an SET. I will be looking at some that have been mentioned over and over again on the forum like CJ, Cary, PL, etc - unfortunately I will have to stay away from items that will need upgrading or soldering and the used market is non-existent where I live.
Still trying to rationalize the decision to send back the Yaq. Been listening to it biased at 40. I noticed not all three of the cylindrical transformers where equally hot- just the one forward one of the trio. The volume adjuster is a little too sensitive. And there is no phono stage. These issues are minor as I mainly listen to CD's.
Lastly, took the chinese amp off-line and have been listening to a powerful hybrid amp(3-4 times the cost of the Yaq amp)and am not as impressed except for the strong bass, holding up very well, albeit clean and sterile, at at high volumes. It fall short on too many other levels.
Thanks again. If anyone can recommend an SET or 300b amp that works well with DI's or speakers of similar sensitivity - please chime in :-)