During the last week I came across an old SE design with the EL34 that is routing the power tube's cathode through the secondary of the OPT as feedback, something that was originally done by the McIntosh and the Quad II in their PP amplifiers. Never had seen a proven (old) design before in SE and do not trust someone just modelling it. Modelling is one thing but a model is only an approximation of the real thing. Some stuff models perfect and sounds horrible, other stuff models horrible and sounds delightful.
A SE with the cathode going through the secondary is something I always have wanted to do and had I seen it earlier then I might not have started on the budgie. There are also some nice Magnavox and Motorola designs, Magnavox was in its heydays very well respected and certainly not a cheap amplifier. One of the Motorola designs is interesting too - it is a three channel amp: PP EL84 for the Bass and two SE EL84 for mid and high. So many interesting designs and not enough time to build them all. Too late for me now - due to ill health the Budgie will be my last.
I've recently become interested in open baffle designs, unfortunately they take up a lot of space. Am chasing some pre-loved 8" full range drivers, supposedly as new in the box - do not want to spend big dollars for new ones. (Seas exotic) Waiting for freight cost estimates. Son or son-in-law will be shanghaied into building it for me when they are next visiting us (not living close by).