The first tube amp foray for me was a Yaqiun MC13S - or something like that. It was a - I wonder if this is any good - moment. I still have it. 40 wpc push pull, El 34 design. Nothing bad to say about it other than it ran through power tubes pretty quick (1 tube yearly, tx runaway, pretty scary). It does not give the SET magic, but it was fine for 88db sensitive speakers. Lots of bass - though that could be the PP design as much as the manufacturer.
That being said, it can’t match my Decware, Sophia Electric, or Tektron amps. It’s been relegated to bass duty in a bi-amped 5th system - for which it is perfectly suited. Sad to think of all those htz getting tossed.
I would consider long term and where you want to go with this - SET or not. Maybe take a look at Icon Audio. You can find similar designs, B stock or discounted sometimes. They are production type amps, but built to David Shaw’s specs. I had an issue with a European model being sent to me and he was dealing with it personally within a couple hours of reaching out. I also second Black Ice, although I too only know their Tube Dac and not their amps.
Last word of warning. You’re dipping a toe in uncharted territory. The worst that could happen is you enjoy it too much.
