Killer 300b amps

**Paul** · June 16, 2014, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

What's the thought on AirTight 300b?

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No XLR . OK with it ?

**KeithR** · June 16, 2014, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by Petro85

i have spoke with someone at zu , cant remember his name off hand. he told me the zu's had a little issue running on the 8w sophias in the past. he didnt say what it was but he said he couldnt recommend it until he heard further with their newer models.
thats what turned me off of zu, because the sophias will make an appearance at my place eventually. but the 15w carys would do the job i bet.
im looking into a baby sophia right now. its a tiny 10w integrated, but i want to use it for a preamp, which the people at sophia tell me is doable. and it will also give me a great 10w option to run by itself into the cornwalls. i buy it for $900 and they give me 2 weeks to decide if i want to keep it. not too bad.
i dont see my cary ever running out of juice into these cornwalls. so loud right now i can barely type. ok back to stevie wonder!!!

Why buy it at all? It's cheap and won't have good transformers. For SET, that's the most important component. and probably is a passive volume control. I've owned Sophia Electrics btw. You can PM as to my experience. His pricing has gone nuts on the higher end stuff.

**Paul** · June 16, 2014, 04:06 PM

How about the JJ 322 Set 300B ? I found one for sale in area .

**AJ Soundfield** · June 16, 2014, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

What's the thought on AirTight 300b?

Similar vein to others in the thread.
Ever consider a non-SE 300b?
Don't recall if you made it by my room at RMAF last year, but I was using a Melody AN300b
22 w/ch, nothing missing on either end, nice mids and more immune to impedance-FR variations than SE.
Reviews here: Melody AN 300B Integrated Amplifier Reviewed
Melody Valve AN300B Tube Amplifier Review | A Unique Audiophile Experience
My 2c

cheers,

AJ

**Mike** · June 16, 2014, 07:52 PM

AJ - I have lots of good push-pull amps. I really want to try a SET and a Pass SIT.

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**Mike** · June 16, 2014, 07:54 PM

Keith - I read that you owned the SIT-1's, but found the sound "weird". Can you explain?

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**Part-Time Audiophile** · June 16, 2014, 07:57 PM

CT6A6882.jpg

**joeinid** · June 16, 2014, 08:02 PM

Welcome to the forum Scot!

**Petro85** · June 16, 2014, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Part-Time Audiophile

CT6A6882.jpg

nice part time!!! welcome to the shark

**Mike** · June 16, 2014, 08:05 PM

Hi Scot - welcome!!!! I do like Border Patrol (especially when paired with Volti).

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**Mike** · June 16, 2014, 08:17 PM

Interesting read: http://www.audiosmile.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19820

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**AJ Soundfield** · June 16, 2014, 08:31 PM

Howdy Scot, welcome aboard

**AJ Soundfield** · June 16, 2014, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

AJ - I have lots of good push-pull amps. I really want to try a SET and a Pass SIT.

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Gotcha. Just remember typical SEs are going to be much more system dependent, IOW, non-transferable. It might sound as good in your system as someone raves about in theirs...or not. As noted previously, John Cs specific system architecture creates a lot of immunity from that variation, but is highly unusual.
No harm in starting the merry-go-round of SETs though, plenty nice ones out there...

cheers

**Part-Time Audiophile** · June 16, 2014, 08:44 PM

BorderPatrol makes some crazy-good amps, and the paralleled one has enough juice to do bad things with most speakers. But I like my SET. 8 watts and almost 200 lbs of iron and copper. Crazy.

Thanks for letting me play. I've been clicking in and out for almost a year, but I never have time to do more than dip.

Cheers, all.

**Paul** · June 16, 2014, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Keith - I read that you owned the SIT-1's, but found the sound "weird". Can you explain?

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+1 I like to know as well.

**NOLG4EVR** · June 17, 2014, 12:32 AM

I love my 300b amps. I find beautiful mid's and absolutely no loss in high's or bass.
i am a a Shindo fan but regardless of what 300b amp you decide on proper pairing is the key.
When going the low watt 300b route it is so important to make sure everything matches properly.
When done right it is audio magic. Unfortunately many try to reinvent the concept and fail miserably. They never quite get it. Too bad.

**Paul** · June 17, 2014, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by NOLG4EVR

I love my 300b amps. I find beautiful mid's and absolutely no loss in high's or bass.
i am a a Shindo fan but regardless of what 300b amp you decide on proper pairing is the key.
When going the low watt 300b route it is so important to make sure everything matches properly.
When done right it is audio magic. Unfortunately many try to reinvent the concept and fail miserably. They never quite get it. Too bad.

JJ. I really liked your set up. Wish I can have a chance to hear them with my speakers.

**NOLG4EVR** · June 17, 2014, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by BlueMcIntosh

JJ. I really liked your set up. Wish I can have a chance to hear them with my speakers.

My amps may not be the best for your speakers. Even though your speakers are high efficiency they may not work well with Shindo.
The construction of the paper and complicated cross overs may not be the best fit.
I think Tannoy recommends at least 50 watts minimum. They usually display their speakers with high wattage SS amps.
your mc 275's are probably better.
SET work well in many systems but synchronicity is key.
enjoy your speakers, can't wait to hear them.

**Paul** · June 17, 2014, 01:12 AM

Originally Posted by NOLG4EVR

My amps may not be the best for your speakers. Even though your speakers are high efficiency they may not work well with Shindo.
The construction of the paper and complicated cross overs may not be the best fit.
I think Tannoy recommends at least 50 watts minimum. They usually display their speakers with high wattage SS amps.
your mc 275's are probably better.
SET work well in many systems but synchronicity is key.
enjoy your speakers, can't wait to hear them.

Only reason they pair them with SS at the show is due to so many Tannoy owners are pair them with tube amps and they trying to show people how they work well with SS amp as well so SS amp owners can purchase their speakers.

So far with the Allnic 300B SET amps works extremely well with 10 watts. I can't even go more than 7:30 to 8 o'clock position on my pre amp. I don't doubt the Shindo will make them sing.

I just wish more Shindo dealers around here. Sigh.

**KeithR** · June 17, 2014, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by NOLG4EVR

I love my 300b amps. I find beautiful mid's and absolutely no loss in high's or bass.
i am a a Shindo fan but regardless of what 300b amp you decide on proper pairing is the key.
When going the low watt 300b route it is so important to make sure everything matches properly.
When done right it is audio magic. Unfortunately many try to reinvent the concept and fail miserably. They never quite get it. Too bad.

Hoping to hear the D'Yquiems at Pitch Perfect Greenhaus this weekend...

**Mike** · June 17, 2014, 12:12 PM

Keith - did you see our question re: your SIT-1 experiences?

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**KeithR** · June 17, 2014, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Keith - I read that you owned the SIT-1's, but found the sound "weird". Can you explain?

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I had the SIT-2 on loan from Reno Hifi for two weeks- the SIT-2 wasn't enough juice for me, although had some decent tonality. I *really* wanted that amp to work. The SIT-1s were brought over by the Zu dudes last year and we jammed out that evening. Yes, I did find the sound "weird" or distracting in both instances. When I have said that SET has frequency extension issues, this was pretty visible after hearing the SITs. Bass was fantastic, but the top end was really, really open, airy, and extended. Tremendous midrange detail. Its a different presentation from the Audion, Sophia, Dehavilland, and Almarro SETs I've had in my room. The SIT-1s had much more dynamic headroom than the stereo amp- despite the same wattage.

That said, the SIT-Is don't have the continuousness of a good SET- by this I mean, it sounds like a snappy leading edge, huge and open SET-type midrange w/ inner detail, and then truncated decay. In the end, I summed it up to 213Cobra: I'd rather just have tubes (or get real SS since you are limited power-wise). The one caveat I have- the SIT-1s supposedly sound amazing with a DHT preamp (in the US, Allnic). However, that preamp is like 30k. No thanks. In the end, it might be a nice exercise for you to compare with a proper SET, but doubt you keep them.

I ended up keeping a pair of Quads, properly retubed, that sounded the best in my room. To me they had many SET qualities, but with bass that my larger room required. I love both the Classics and the Fortys, although without a US distributor- tough on parts for repair. The funny thing- they cost me all of $2k used + $200 in good tubes.

KeithR

**Mike** · June 17, 2014, 12:40 PM

Thanks Keith.

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**NOLG4EVR** · June 17, 2014, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by KeithR

Hoping to hear the D'Yquiems at Pitch Perfect Greenhaus this weekend...

You are in for a treat. I'd be curious to how the D'Yquem's compare to the stellar WE300b Limited amps. Maybe you will have a chance to hear both. I've not been to Pitch Perfect yet but understand Matt has an amazing set up. Have fun.

**NOLG4EVR** · June 17, 2014, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by BlueMcIntosh

Only reason they pair them with SS at the show is due to so many Tannoy owners are pair them with tube amps and they trying to show people how they work well with SS amp as well so SS amp owners can purchase their speakers.

So far with the Allnic 300B SET amps works extremely well with 10 watts. I can't even go more than 7:30 to 8 o'clock position on my pre amp. I don't doubt the Shindo will make them sing.

I just wish more Shindo dealers around here. Sigh.

Paul, your probably right. Coupe de Foudre has a pair of D'Yquems on the floor. They come to Toronto quite often. Maybe on one of their trips they would bring the amps to your home for you to try. Might be worth a phone call to inquire. They are really good people to deal with.

**Petro85** · June 17, 2014, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by NOLG4EVR

You are in for a treat. I'd be curious to how the D'Yquem's compare to the stellar WE300b Limited amps. Maybe you will have a chance to hear both. I've not been to Pitch Perfect yet but understand Matt has an amazing set up. Have fun.

ive been trying to find the western elec amp to hear. went to their website and said there was a dealer in n.j. i got excited, then called the dealer and he said no hes never been a western elec dealer. and went to the website to look for himself and said "i dont know why our name is up there we are not and have never been a dealer" so back to the drawing board on these. really want to check it out

**KeithR** · June 17, 2014, 04:12 PM

well, no D'Yquems on Saturday, but some other goodies will be available.

you need to head to Tone Imports/Living Stereo in the city to hear the WEs Petro...

**sharkmouth** · June 17, 2014, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by Petro85

ive been trying to find the western elec amp to hear. went to their website and said there was a dealer in n.j. i got excited, then called the dealer and he said no hes never been a western elec dealer. and went to the website to look for himself and said "i dont know why our name is up there we are not and have never been a dealer" so back to the drawing board on these. really want to check it out

You seek the truth grasshopper, you will find it in Line Magnetic/Tone Imports.com Line Magnetic Audio

**NOLG4EVR** · June 17, 2014, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by Petro85

ive been trying to find the western elec amp to hear. went to their website and said there was a dealer in n.j. i got excited, then called the dealer and he said no hes never been a western elec dealer. and went to the website to look for himself and said "i dont know why our name is up there we are not and have never been a dealer" so back to the drawing board on these. really want to check it out

Only a Shindo dealer will have these. Most dealers do not stock them as demo's. I understood that Pitch Perfect in L.A. did have a pair which is why I made the comment.

**Paul** · June 22, 2014, 08:16 PM

Mike...Here it is.

**Mike** · June 22, 2014, 08:25 PM

Lars Type 2 Monos? (Sorry, but the name sounds like an STD.).

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**Jim Smith** · June 23, 2014, 04:07 PM

Although I was Engstrom & Engstrom's US distributor, I resigned over a year ago due to some health issues that prevented me from getting out there and showing The Lars amps.

The Lars Type 2s are the best amps I ever heard - by far - 300B or otherwise - tube or SS.

**Paul** · June 23, 2014, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

Although I was Engstrom & Engstrom's US distributor, I resigned over a year ago due to some health issues that prevented me from getting out there and showing The Lars amps.

The Lars Type 2s are the best amps I ever heard - by far - 300B or otherwise - tube or SS.

Jim, Is that really you ????

BIG WELCOME HERE

**KeithR** · June 23, 2014, 04:12 PM

they are like 100k/pair right? i'd love to hear them.

same with Absolare (Komuro-san)

**KeithR** · June 23, 2014, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by NOLG4EVR

Only a Shindo dealer will have these. Most dealers do not stock them as demo's. I understood that Pitch Perfect in L.A. did have a pair which is why I made the comment.

Matt has the WE300B, GM70, and EL34 monos currently for demo. His Masseto is serial #001

**Jim Smith** · June 23, 2014, 04:16 PM

Hey Paul,

You posted my pic - what was I gonna do?

I rarely post on the forums, but you sucked me in...

Best,

Jim

Originally Posted by BlueMcIntosh

Jim, Is that really you ????

BIG WELCOME HERE

**Jim Smith** · June 23, 2014, 04:17 PM

USD $86K/pair

Use EML 300B-XLS.

36 watts/ch.

Originally Posted by KeithR

they are like 100k/pair right? i'd love to hear them.

same with Absolare (Komuro-san)

**Paul** · June 23, 2014, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

Hey Paul,

You posted my pic - what was I gonna do?

I rarely post on the forums, but you sucked me in...

Best,

Jim

Jim, I couldn't resist . You are too nice looking guy

Thanks again for your time on the phone and emails to helped me out to buy the best speakers in the world

**Mike** · June 23, 2014, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

Hey Paul,

You posted my pic - what was I gonna do?

I rarely post on the forums, but you sucked me in...

Best,

Jim

Welcome Jim. Feel free to post links to your books/video for people to purchase. They should be mandatory for every audiophile!

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**sharkmouth** · June 23, 2014, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Welcome Jim. Feel free to post links to your books/video for people to purchase. They should be mandatory for every audiophile!

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+1

**KeithR** · June 24, 2014, 04:55 PM

not sure posting a link to the 'gon is kosher here, but Ralph Karsten has some interesting things to say about power requirements as it relates to SETs. Certainly, I'd love for him to explain further on AS.

AudiogoN Forums: Which high power SET

Keith

**joeinid** · June 24, 2014, 05:00 PM

Perfectly okay to link Keith!

**Mike** · June 24, 2014, 05:06 PM

Post away Keith - that's how we all learn!

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