Budget SET or SEP recommendations?

@simao. That one is push-pull. I think they do a 300b SET. Anyone with thoughts on that?

@kalali. Nope. Not "budget," for me.  Not in the range of what was being discussed or what I initially mentioned (Dared/Yaqin). Completely blew through what I was thinking of spending to test the waters.  I’m sure that’s happened to most of us at one time or another? Thought they looked great, and I hedged with a bit more power without going with an 845.  Thanks, Kalali. I’m excited to get them set up. Now, if only my speakers will keep up. It never ends, does it?

The Wall PSETs are probably the best sounding amps that I've had through the house.  Just really amazing.

But, I got bit by this SET/SEP bug and picked up a used Dennis Had Inspire HO--the one with the big transformers and, I think, rated 17 watts with near-meltdown KT88s.  I'm sure there is a ton of tube-rolling fun to be had, but I'm not yet sure what the options are or whether the rectifier needs to swap out with different power tubes.  Hopefully, I can contact him through the auction site.  It sounds fantastic and has fairly big balls.  Picked up an LP27a pre, too, and, with mesh plate 27s, it produces a lovely and hauntingly organic, but very pleasantly colored, midrange.  Very happy, so far, with the Inspires.

I wouldn't say these totally carry over a Cary sound, but closer to Cary than maybe ARC.

Thanks, again, folks.  I suspect there would have been disappointment with one of the cheap bling amps.

@stfoth -- yes, the TRV-88SER is a push-pull. I wanted something different than a Class A design. So far it sounds wonderful, although it can't really compare to the LSA Statement I had before it.