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Once you go 300b it’s hard to go back?

It’s been a while since posting here and total change in my system. I’ve been on the lower power trip and been using a first watt sit2 for years and rotating preamps. I’m now using Omega 1.5 Alinco speakers.  I recently picked up a Line Magnetic 210, a 300b set integreted. I have been loving it. Barley pushing 1 watt according to the meter. Then I purchased some new tubes the Elrog 300b and EML rectifiers. Almost spending more on tubes than the amp it self. I have ignored responsibilities because it’s hard to step away from the music. Everything sounds wonderfully intoxicating.  The simplicity of the integrated, and the lovely glow of sound coming from the tubes. I knew tubes could sound great but really impressed with an integrated amp. 
 
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Showing 7 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
Hi Freediver,
I agree with you. I was just for fun playing the role of the typical measurement/objectivist responder.
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
"Sand is for beaches, not stereo amps!"
You realize the retort is that tube amp owners just love tube distortion.😊
Two different worlds.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
Hi jond,
Yep, overall implementation and appropriate attention paid to the power supply and output transformers are simply unavoidable  vital decision points. 300b amplifiers can range from lush,slow and very colored to outstanding clarity, transparency and naturalness. Depends on the builder and quality of execution.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
Hi Lewinskih01,
I believe that either of these 2 choices you mentioned would be wonderful and make you very happy. Another option is Aric Audio, they can built you a very fine single chassis SET amplifier using whatever output tube you prefer. Mac48025 who posted earlier has 2 amplifiers built by Aric and he says the sound quality, customer service and built quality are first rate. I definitely trust his assessment having personally meeting him.
You have terrific choices. DHT SET are truly excellent with the proper speaker. Best of luck to you. 
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
Gary,
I understand.  I could live happily with the First Watt S.I.T amplifier I had on loan, but still happier with the current 300b SET.
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
Hi Gary,
Is the Bakoon impressive enough to replace your 300b SET amplifier? I’ve read positive comments regarding the Bakoon.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
Hi guf ,
Well you sure had a very fine reference point in the First Watt S.I.T.2. I had the Nelson Pass D.I.Y. push pull version of the S.I.T. 2 designed by him. 40 watt pure class A and one of the finest sounding solid state amplifiers I've heard. He knows his stuff 😊. I was very impressed with it in my system.

In direct comparison with my 300b mono block SET I did prefer the latter. 
1  More realism overall
2  Even better tonality and harmonic overtone presentation.  The First Watt was just a bit drier but still very good. 
3 More 3 dimensional and reach out and touch tactile.
4  More of an emotional connection with the music.

300b done right is musically hard to beat. I will admit that the exceptional First Watt came admirably  close. 
Charles 
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