For high power system
Proton D1200 ->Bryston 9BST->McIntosh MC240->Lafayette KT550
For low power system
Heathkit SA-2
Pilot 240
SET EL84 modified by Roger Modjeski from Music Reference
I have not find the "BEST VALUE" in high power amp that can compete with Lafayette KT550. I bought the unit from a ex-Lafayette engineer (over-paid compared to ebay but it's in like new condition with Vitamin-Qs inside.)
This is exact same HK Citation II except of the tube choices.
The NOS 7027A tubes are much cheaper than the NOS EL34, KT88 and 6550.
I have not find the "BEST VALUE" in low power amp than the Heathkit, Pilot 240 and SET EL84.
The NOS EL84 tubes are much cheaper than the NOS 300B and 2A3.
The average cost of EL84 amps in good condition is less than $200. You can also spend a little more for the Eico HF-86 and Pilot-232s but not much better in performance.
Proton D1200 ->Bryston 9BST->McIntosh MC240->Lafayette KT550
For low power system
Heathkit SA-2
Pilot 240
SET EL84 modified by Roger Modjeski from Music Reference
I have not find the "BEST VALUE" in high power amp that can compete with Lafayette KT550. I bought the unit from a ex-Lafayette engineer (over-paid compared to ebay but it's in like new condition with Vitamin-Qs inside.)
This is exact same HK Citation II except of the tube choices.
The NOS 7027A tubes are much cheaper than the NOS EL34, KT88 and 6550.
I have not find the "BEST VALUE" in low power amp than the Heathkit, Pilot 240 and SET EL84.
The NOS EL84 tubes are much cheaper than the NOS 300B and 2A3.
The average cost of EL84 amps in good condition is less than $200. You can also spend a little more for the Eico HF-86 and Pilot-232s but not much better in performance.