I think an upgraded EAR clone is nicer than a Cornet 3. I have about $600 in mine so it’s about three times the Cornet. I used the black board. The clone is very nice; can run with the big boys (I also have a Modwright PH9.0).
The Cornet is not quite up to the EAR but can be done for around $200, sans tubes. Not sure how I feel about the wall wart approach for tubes and it has been replaced by the Cornet 4.
I was tempted to do the Eros but in the end I went with the clone.
Already built I would go with a Darlington Labs MP-7, IMO the best value for MM under $1k.
Cornet 3 on top, EAR clone on bottom.