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300b INTEGRATED AMP Suggestions

This will be my first post here but I have enjoyed advice from this site for quite some time.  

After living for many years with the Rogue Cronus Magnum I am interested in downsizing a bit to a smaller, more finessed system built around a 300B integrated amp.  I am intrigued by what I have read about SET amps and given my small room and musical preferences I think this could be a fun switch.  I have been looking at the Cary CAD-300sei amp and am leaning that direction but wanted to put this out there to see what comes back before I jump.  (I like the reviews and the positivity around Line Magnetic as well, however I'd like to stay away from the 845 tubes for heat reasons)  My musical preference is generally around folk, singer/songwriter, jazz etc but not limited to.  My budget is around 5k new or used.

I know speakers are a huge part of this equation as well.  I currently have some KEF r5 speakers that I would likely be looking to replace with something from Zu's line depending on where I end up with an amp decision. 

I'd love to get any recommendations.
dholmes189
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@three_easy_payments
My fault, I was trying to provide a link for a "new" review on Mono and Stereo 2021) . You are correct that 210ia has been in the LM line up for awhile and is well established.
Charles
jond's avatar
jond
5,807 posts
 
Just a couple weeks ago I heard a Cary 300 CAD-300SEI powering a pair of custom horn speakers and sounding really excellent. If you can look for a used unit from the Dennis Had era at Cary distinguishable by the old Cary logo.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
I agree with Charles (as usual) that high quality parts in SET is utmost. I add that the higher efficiency in speakers the BETTER (given you like that speakers character traits. I also agree with Jond (not politically🙄) 😄 his recent experience with original Cary' and custom horns undoubtedly sounded very good!! (and I wasn't there. I will never stray from SET.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
"I will never stray from SET"
So well put @isochronism. That’s exactly where I find myself after 12 beautiful years of owning my 300b SET. @jond I bet that combo you heard was "really excellent ".

Given the direction @dholmes189 is headed he has the opportunity to assemble a truly superb sounding audio system. As long as he resists the (potential) temptation to sacrifice true quality to save a few dollars 😊.
Charles
facten
2,878 posts
 
https://www.monoandstereo.com/2016/11/line-magnetic-audio-210ia-integrated.html

LM’s doesn’t show the above integrated amp in their present lineup though, see below.  Google does show it available ebay and aliexpress, don't know if they are grey market or not

https://www.line-magnetic.eu/en/products-line-magnetic-en/integrated-tube-amplifier-line-magnetic-en
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