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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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charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 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 
gsm18439
895 posts
 
jond: It was an SET that could use either 45 or 2A3 tubes. I have been fortunate to live near Vu's shop and have heard several of his amplifiers, but the only one that I have owned was a 45/2A3 SET.

One group of amplifiers that is not often mentioned is the SE, PE, and PP amplifiers made by Gary Dewes of Border Patrol. All use 300b tubes.

Finally, since Charles re-introduced solid state amplifiers into the discussion, I recently heard a Bakoon amplifier with my Def 4s. Definitely worth consideration.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Gary,
Is the Bakoon impressive enough to replace your 300b SET amplifier? I’ve read positive comments regarding the Bakoon.
Charles
migueca's avatar
migueca
112 posts
 
After some solid state and push-pull tube amplifiers, I recently got into the SET world. Bought a Line Magnetic 219ia using 300B as drivers and the 845 as power tubes.
This is by far the best sounding amplifier I ever had and one of the best I've ever heard. So natural and efortlessly, the music just flows!
I'm going to try some more amplifiers, but I guess it will be hard to beat this one in my setup.
gsm18439
895 posts
 
Charles

The Bakoon is different from the AA300b. Each has strengths. I could be happy with either. But not ready to swap. 
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