Arkless Electronics
Trade: Amp design and repairs.
I made my mind up to do it this time, or to die in the attempt. If it isn't guaranteed to scorch my fingers, I'm not going there.
Short list, so far :
1. a Sugden A21, either the current generation, or the one immediately before.
2. a Pass-clone, the Aleph 3 sounds very interesting
3. secondhand Krell, but taking on board Arkless's warning about refurbishment costs, this is probably over budget
4. a Marantz PM4
I refuse to consider anything valved. I'm adamant about that. Completely certain. Not to be deflected, though obviously I would prefer EL34 output devices .... unless I could afford SE triode.
Now for the tricky bit. Finding one.
Disparate to say the least! Like saying your next car MUST be diesel and then having a 1100 Dacia and a 5 litre 7 series BMW on the same short list cos they're both diesel versions!
Most <30W valve amps are class A BTW and some at much more than that. They can sound fabulous. Personally I'd have little interest in what type of output valve was used beyond implications in reliability and replacement costs... but I wouldn't have a SE triode amp even if it was free!
If a secondhand Krell is working well enough then it could still be worthwhile if you get it at the right price and you have the prospect of improved performance after it is sorted out.
I wouldn't bother with the Marantz PM4. nice enough but not in the same league as the others.