Need recommendation for 300B (SET) Stereo amplifier


Hi All,

My Willsenton R300 Plus (14 months old) just started to burn through rectifier tubes. Not sure what to do about that? However I did collect some very nice 300B tubes and would like to invest in an heirloom quality 300B amplifier (SET, Stereo, power or integrated, ideally with balanced XLR inputs). There are hundreds of threads on Audiogon on this topic, but some of the amps recommended seem to be hard to find/buy. I have been looking at Cary (mixed reviews), Manley (fairly expensive), Decware Sarah (long wait times) and the Western Electric 91E. The 91E seems to be an interesting blend of old and new technologies. I'm tempted. Any recommendations?

rjvissers

I own a Cary SLI80HS, i really enjoy it. Built like a tank. I know it's not a 300b nor is it class A, but to me does everything right. I would not hesitate buying a Cary. 

As for the Triode Labs, I've listened to a couple of their 300b amps. Definitely some of the best sound I've ever heard. 

If I hadn't found a good deal on my new to me Luxman 550AXII, I would be in the same boat as you. It would be between the Cary CAD300SEI and the Triode Labs (If I could come up with the extra cash).

Cary Direct has the 300 SEI at a reduced cost of $4,871.00  

To piggy back on Finale Audio recommendation, I would highly agree. I have the Finale 300B EVO and couldn't be happier. It's paired with a "not compatible" speaker, the Evolution Acoustics MMicro One. My plan was to use those speakers then sell them for a high efficient speaker but I was surprised on how well the amp did powering them. I believe they're 87db efficient or close to that. 

Sound wise, it's everything you would expect a 300B to have and yet my biggest surprise was the bass it gave my speakers.

If you want a good review of it check out Jeff Dorgays review in Tone Magazine. 

@ditusa : Thanks Mike: I've been on the Coincident website a few times but I could not find a way to order on-line (and they have no Dealers according to the website).

@doyle3433 : Thank you very much for the recommendations, currently checking those out!

@glennewdick : Thanks also, checking out the offerings!