What's the best EL84 amp?

Hi dhcod, thanks for the EL84 question.  

As a young man, I first came across the Music Reference electronics in a large, comprehensive publication from "The Tweak Shop" in the mid 1980's, a California retailer for Music Reference.  Having experienced early McIntosh tube gear, I craved ownership of RM but had neither the budget nor confidence in the stability and longevity of tube amplification from that era.  Through a compounded series of good fortune through good friends, I was able to purchase a RM-10 MKII a few years ago.  It replaced my groundbreaking, purchased used NAD M2 Direct Digital Amplifier, a $6K all-in-one approach.

My niche in our hobby is finding the best I can possibly afford, THEN going to work to improve the design.  For example, the NAD M2's cheap case rings horribly, inexcusable for the price and a much-needed fix.  (I'm pleased to note, NAD's new designs have addressed this.)  After doing due diligence around the RM-10, I was NOT about to mess with Roger Modjeski's design.  Interestingly, in switching amps, the humble 35W per side vs the 250W per NAD, the dynamics were greatly improved!!  The perpetual mystery of audio.  

I first experimented with tube sets, which can be had for under $150.  Next, I applied a full complement of Marigo Audio Lab VTS tuning dots, drawing out its deeper truth.  A large "head's-up" to RM owners...do pay attention in cleaning the connector contacts found INSIDE the amplifier as well.  There are O-Ring connectors on the inner wires.  My two previous owner friends were unaware of this requirement and there is goodness to be had!  I experimented with power cords to the amp, finding a sweet spot.  Then!...despite my work under the hood, under both the amp and my Focusrite Clarett Pro DAC, I further isolate with one of these:

IsoAcoustics zaZen Series Isolation Platform 17" W x 15" D: zaZen II (40 lbs Max) (amazon.com)

Now, I don't know exactly where the improvement is being made, but the  improvement is similar to a tangible cartridge upgrade.  IsoAcoustics also makes a larger platform for heavier applications.  

So there you have it.  In my experience, excellent affordable gear CAN be improved upon in cost effective and tangible ways.  Do the homework and enquire from knowledgeable, reasonable people.  Uber power, room speaker integration and carefully integrated affordable gear, can get very close to the crazy stuff, and be absolutely gratifying.  The Music Reference RM-10 MKII found a permanent place in my approaching dotage system.  Ever onwards!

(bold print for old eyes)            More Peace & even order harmonics!  Pin

...oh, footnote.  Those of you running the RM-10 to less efficient speakers...in my Pro DAC, I send below 80 cycles to a sub, lifting the power-draining deep bass duties from the amp.  A lovely solution.  Pin 

Hey again on this topic, directed to owners of the Music Reference RM-10 MKII amplifiers?  Roger Modjeski chose to engrave into the top plate of the amplifier the actual value next to the 2 plastic screw positions "160mA Slow."  In reading the threads above, it appears that some amps came back to Roger due to aftermarket fuses creating damage.  

I've been considering upgrading the fuses in my RM-10, staying, of course, with the "160mA Slow" blow value recommended by Roger.  I would welcome anyone who has had any experience with a fuse upgrade for this amp?  Blowing up aftermarket fuses could be extremely costly, and I certainly don't want to risk damage to the amp.  

Thank you for any feedback, Pin              (bold print for old eyes)