Have heard many good comments in Stereophile magazine over the past couple of years. The model SE-1 was category C recommended component in April 99 issue. It references vol.17 no.11 and vol.21 no.5 as issues with more info. I will give you one quote:"the SE-1 is a good low cost entry into single ended...beautiful harmonic presentation, immmediacy, a sense of you being there at the performance." And further: but is low powered, has small soundstage, and lacks ultimate resolution but can't complain at the price. "can be great with reasonably sensitive speakers-even89db-in smaller rooms." So thats what they have to say. Personally I own two pairs of Cary monoblocks and have been very,very happy with them and their low watt output when listening to jazz and female vocalists. I probably wouldn't say the same for rock music. But, Audio Electronics stuff is probably designed by the same guy as the Cary amps so I would say go for it. Or, be patient,save your money,surf Audiogon religiously and get a Cary CAD-572SE pair for only a few hundred more than you'll pay for a kit. And the 20 watts will keep you satisfied for longer. Paul