Great thread.
As an SET/SEP noob, and likely convert, I hedged and blew out the initial budget on the first dip--going with a pair of Wall PSETs with about 35 watts off two 6c33s each. They are probably the best sounding amps I've had in the house, and provide more flexibility than low-powered SET/SEP. I only mention it to maybe followup swampwalker and to suggest a PSET as a possible "hedge" for you, as well.
Something similar to CAD805s with 50 watts off an 845 or 211 with humongous transformers might be something to consider.
Maybe neither hold the full magic of a great 2a3 or 300b, but they probably get you most of the way with extra beef and provide more speaker options.
Also picked up an Inspire SEP HO with something like 17 watts off KT88s, and I mostly agree with Wolf. Really nice amp for, imo, a really good price, especially slightly used. SEP could be another option, too.
As an SET/SEP noob, and likely convert, I hedged and blew out the initial budget on the first dip--going with a pair of Wall PSETs with about 35 watts off two 6c33s each. They are probably the best sounding amps I've had in the house, and provide more flexibility than low-powered SET/SEP. I only mention it to maybe followup swampwalker and to suggest a PSET as a possible "hedge" for you, as well.
Something similar to CAD805s with 50 watts off an 845 or 211 with humongous transformers might be something to consider.
Maybe neither hold the full magic of a great 2a3 or 300b, but they probably get you most of the way with extra beef and provide more speaker options.
Also picked up an Inspire SEP HO with something like 17 watts off KT88s, and I mostly agree with Wolf. Really nice amp for, imo, a really good price, especially slightly used. SEP could be another option, too.