Oh yes, a simple OTL will cost far less than a Pimeta certainly and, for at least the two guys listening, the OTL outperformed it too. Interestingly enough, I finished my Pimeta bout a month ago and a buddy of mine just finished his Aren van Waarde OTL design -http://headwize.com/projects/showfile.php?file=waarde1_prj.htm (tube PS instead of SS PS). Last week we did a little taste testing.
Honestly, I'm a tube guy and went against all that I stand for when building the Pimeta
(big joke - actually, I'll build anything if it makes music)
We only had Senn 580's (300ohm) and AKG 240 Monitors (600ohm) to listen to but I rather spend my time with the OTL . The OTL surpassed the Pimeta in body, tone, soundstage and musical involvement. Micro detail was also better on the OTL. I would give the Pimeta the nod to speed only particularly when listening to drum cimbals where the OTL was sluggish (need more capacitance in PS?). (BTW, the Pimeta is still extremely enjoyable and would never discourage anyone from building it)
The problem that I do not have an answer for is will a low impedance headphone (225 or 701) work with a Strain or van Waarde OTL? Just another question to ask if you go for an OTL.
Of course if you go tube, you will most likely be purchasing from different suppliers like Angela Instruments, Antique Electronic Supply, Handmade Electronics, Michael Percy, Parts Connection, etc.
As far as books are concerned (regarding the last post), Morgan Jones Valve Amplifiers is fantastic.
Enjoy.