SET amps

I'm interested too.

It's going to be hard to find an SET amp even a kit for $1500. The Audio Note Kits Kit1 300B is a good amp for $2500. The "problem" with SET amps is there are so few parts that parts quality is crucial especially output transformers which can be quite pricey.

https://www.ankaudiokits.com/2/Kit1-2014-300B-Integrated-Power-Tube-Amplifier.html

Check out the  Elekit TU-8200R Stereo Tube Amplifier Kit
http://6moons.com/audioreviews2/elekit/1.html

Thanks Imhififan ,Jond and Riley. I would love the audionote but over my budget. As is the don garber listed on Agon. 
The elekit has good reviews as does the set45 by Alan Eaton. One other very small builder analog ethos AE1 with 6l6 tubes was recommended by Omega Speakers but Luis Chacko has not heard it. He likes the design of the ae1 and also recommended the elekit. 
Since I can’t hear them its very difficult. If I knew which tube to go with that would be a big step. Maybe I’m making too much out of this but I don’t think there is much resale value in kit amps and if I don’t like it I just wasted $1500.

Also my first tube experience was with a primaluna prologue 2 which I had for years and just recently sold.. right now I’m running a nait 2 with omega 3xrs in a listening area 13x15 but the rooms are open concept. I find the nait 2 in the room too shrill but my listening area is very very lively. Still I enjoy the nait. Just looking for the next step. 

I would go to HiFiShark and search for names of amp builders like Burgess, Deja Vu, etc. These are small-batch builders who make a good amplifier at a reasonable price - especially if pre-owned. Good 300b tubes tend to be expensive.

I started with the Primaluna PL2.   Moved to a Decware Mini Torii using the same speakers (Ref 3A de Capos).  Can't play as loud but loud enough and a very sweet sound.  It's a single ended pentode design.

There is an audiophile who keeps a blog called Glow in the Dark Audio. He has written reviews of many different affordable set amps. You might want to check it out. http://www.glowinthedarkaudio.com/amps.html

Thankyou Riley mentioned the site and it’s been helpful.

Make sure you have speakers of sufficient efficiency! If you really want to get the most out of your amp, the speaker should be sufficiently efficient such that the amp is never pushed past 20-25% of full power. This will allow the distortion of the amp to be very low; the source of their 'inner detail'.

Easy Decware!

I think the best value vs. sound at your budget can be had from Transcendent Sound. Most of his amp kits are OTLs but he also has a push-pull KT120 that I think sounds very good. The owner/designer is a bit full of himself and his soft skills suck but his stuff sounds better than it should at the prices charge. See what atmasphere says above about SETs. I found this to be exactly true with 8 ohm 96 db efficient speakers. 

This is a bit over your budget target but certainly worthy of consideration.  The kit comes with Lundahl output transformers and Alps audio grade volume control.  The kit might also come with Takman resistors and Mundorf coupling capacitors.

https://www.tubedepot.com/products/elekit-tu-8600-300b-se-tube-amplifier-kit-limited-run

How r these amps

Two options I tell my friends (for whom our NiWatts are a touch too pricey):

• http://shop.diyhifisupply.com/product-category/kits-assembled/amplifiers-and-preamps/
• https://bottlehead.com/

Both Brian Cherry (Diyhifi) and Dan S (Bottlehead) have an excellent reputation for value and service.

Thom @ Galibier Design

Try a Dennis Had amp from ebay...or anywhere else...a handmade masterpiece that shines with efficient speakers.

I second Wolf's suggestion, Dennis Had amps are fantastic and they are within your budget.

There are a ton of options. I’ve come across a lot of amps you could build or have assembled already but used for the price range you’re at. Also, extremely high level sound.  I have very expensive stuff but have heard some very inexpensive amps that have sounded excellent.  Take your time and look around, you’ll find a lot of choices. 

Thanks Lowrubes. Any ones that you liked?

Anyone know About the set amps from  Ken Uesugi  I’m Japan? I heard his 2a/3 on you tube and it sounded phenomenal . Read some and he seems like an amazing designer. Does anyone know his work compared to Tom Eaton ?

Or Decware 

I got Ken Uesugi to build me a 2a3 / 45 and am amazed by the transparency. Using old rca 45s were musical n trying out expensive EML mesh globes took the amp to a very high level. Very happy with his work!