Budget SET or SEP recommendations?


Not in a rush, but considering playing with an SET or SEP.  Have only heard a few.  Something fairly inexpensive, worth trying, but not immediately upgrade-worthy.  Any thoughts, recommendations, or similar SET/SEP noob experiences?  Integrated, or not, doesn't matter.

These two seem to be reasonably respectable for cheap, at least according to the interwebs:

Dared MP2a3c
Yaqin MS-300c

Thank you.
stfoth
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,

I’m happy for your success with this genre of amplifiers as they are quite terrific with the right speaker match. You did the right thing by spending more to get better quality amplifiers.


It defeats the whole purpose of  owning these type of amplifiers if the parts, transformers and power supplies are subpar. You need good part quality for good sound quality.Particularly poor quality output transformers will ruin the entire amplifier experience with lousy sound/performance.

Charles

@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.